Republican lawmakers introduced legislation on Jan. 23 which would allow minors 16 years of age and older to operate pizza-dough rollers while on the clock.
The bill states that minors would only be permitted to operate the pizza dough roller under a clear set of safety guidelines, clarifying that minors would still be prohibited from setting up, adjusting, repairing, oiling and cleaning the pizza dough rollers.
While most pizza joints hand roll their dough, Rosatti’s Chicago style pizza has an industrial dough roller on site. Domingo Conejo, a seasoned pizza professional, said the bill is irresponsible.
Conejo also told The Daily Cardinal the finesse needed to operate an industrial pizza roller is out of a teenagers skill range.
“The rollers are dangerous,” Conejo said. “Minors employed here only answer the phones.”
But local Italian restaurant Porta Bella owner Edward Schinnick told the Cardinal the bill makes sense.
“With all the safeguards in place, you would have to purposely put your hand in harm’s way,” Schinnick said. “There’s no rhyme or reason not to [pass the bill].”
The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Andre Jacque, R-New Franken, has garnered support, receiving 10 co-sponsors from other Republicans.
The Department of Workforce Development currently has authority over the law and prohibits all minors from operating power-driven bakery machines. Jacque’s bill would require the department to allow for this exception.
