GET WORK permits for young employees or face prosecution.

That's Blackpool Borough Council's blunt warning to local firms after a cafe owner in the town was fined for letting a 15-year-old work without a permit.

The cafe proprietor was fined £50 and ordered to pay £50 costs when he pleaded guilty at Blackpool magistrates court in February to employing the girl -- a family friend -- without a permit. She burned her arm when she fell on to a hot griddle at the cafe.

Holiday workers aged 13-16 must have an employment licence, whether they are paid or unpaid employees. The licence is issued free by the town's education department -- parents simply need to fill in a form and produce a copy of the child's birth certificate. Graham Smith, child employment officer for Blackpool Borough Council, said the owner did not apply for a permit despite knowing about the regulations.

Employers taking on children without a licence risk court action and a fine of up to £1,000 per child.

"This is the first prosecution for such an offence in Blackpool and possibly the first of its kind in the North West," he said.

"Hopefully, it'll serve as a warning to other businesses ahead of the start of the Easter holidays in a few weeks." But one Blackpool chip shop owner, who asked not to be named, said there should be more publicity about the licences.

"The only reason I know about it is because I worked in London and they are keen to let everyone know there that you need work permits."

He said many employers, especially in catering, rely on young staff. And he appealed for the borough council to promote the permit scheme much more. "I understand the licences are there so that you don't get people taking liberties with the kids. But it's not advertised very well for local employers."

Parents or employers who want more information, advice or an application form can ring 476578 or 476571 from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.