The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a $5,000 penalty in court against the operator of a Melbourne cafe that describes itself as the “world’s first happiness centre”.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed the penalty against Serotonin Eatery Exercise Education Pty Ltd, which operates the cafe ‘Serotonin Eatery’ in Burnley.
The penalty was imposed in response to the company failing to comply with a Compliance Notice, which required it to back-pay a worker it employed as a casual food and beverage attendant in November-December 2024.
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the affected worker.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Serotonin Eatery Exercise Education Pty Ltd in August 2025 after forming a belief the company had failed to pay the worker’s minimum wages and penalty rates for weekend work, owed under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.
The company back-paid the worker after the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said employers that failed to act on Compliance Notices needed to be aware they could face court-imposed penalties on top of having to pay workers.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action,” Ms Booth said.
“Employers should be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
