DES MOINES, Iowa — Due to a difference in child labor laws at the state and federal levels, some Iowa restaurants could be punished despite following state regulations.  In a law passed last year, Iowa restaurants could have teenagers work later into the night. Allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work as late as 9 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. in the summer. KCCI-TV reports Iowa Restaurant Association officials say the U.S. Department of Labor has been issuing fines to several Iowa restaurants based on breaking federal law.

At the federal level, the teens must be off the clock by 7 p.m. on school nights and 9 p.m. in the summer — a full two hours earlier. It’s a difference that the association’s president and CEO Jessica Dunkin said could cost restaurant owners tens of thousands of dollars.

The U.S. Department of Labor said in a statement that it has done several investigations resulting in child labor violations in Iowa. However, the department also said the problem isn’t unique to Iowa with similar violations happening in several other states. Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement saying the Iowa law provides “tailored, common sense labor provisions that will allow young adults to develop their skills in the workforce.”

Senator Chuck Grassley also issued a statement saying “the Department of Labor ought to be working closely with Iowa businesses, not targeting them.” He said he’ll write to the labor department to urge improved communication so that Iowa small businesses and families can better navigate the labor laws.