THE former operator of Manuka restaurant Mecca Bah underpaid his staff by more than $50,000, The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges.

The ombudsman has launched a prosecution against Damien Micah Trytell, who allegedly underpaid 26 restaurant employees a total of $50,996 between May and December 2009.

The employees, including eleven aged as young as 18 to 21 at the time, variously worked as kitchen staff and waiters on a full-time, part-time or casual basis.

According to the ombudsman the employees were allegedly paid flat hourly rates ranging from $15.93 to $19.23.

This allegedly resulted in underpayment of their penalty rates for night, overtime, weekend and public holiday work, for which they were entitled to receive up to $38 an hour.

Fair Work inspectors discovered the alleged underpayments when they investigated complaints lodged by employees.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Mark Scully says the decision to prosecute was made because of the significant amount involved for many young employees.

Mr Trytell faces maximum penalties of $6600 per breach, with the ombudsman alleging he was involved in several breaches of workplace laws.

The company through which the restaurant was operated, Manuka Food Pty Ltd, went into liquidation last year, preventing court action against it.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a Court Order for any penalty imposed on Mr Trytell to go towards rectifying the alleged underpayments.

A directions hearing is listed for the Federal Magistrates Court on August 27.