The Youth Protection Act is intended to protect children and young people from negative influences, for example by regulating the age-appropriate distribution of computer games, visits to discotheques, cinemas or the distribution of alcohol and tobacco products to children and young people. Violations of the Youth Protection Act are not a trivial offense and are punishable by heavy fines.

Legally speaking, the catalog of fines is only a recommendation from the state, as its application is the responsibility of the local regulatory authorities. The catalog of fines is intended to ensure that violations in Lower Saxony are treated equally. The city of Salzgitter has been implementing the recommendations since 2010 when punishing administrative offenses under the Youth Protection Act and consistently makes full use of the catalog of fines. The protection of children and young people is a top priority for the city of Salzgitter. The fines are therefore a clear signal to comply with the provisions of the Youth Protection Act.

The recommended fines each provide for a standard rate and framework rates. These depend on whether the violation was committed, for example, by organizers and operators of a restaurant or discotheque (100 % of the standard rate), by employed managers (75 %) or by other persons responsible for complying with youth protection regulations (doormen, cashiers, waiters). In the event of negligence, 2/3 of the standard or framework rate shall be set. Other adults who deliberately violate the Youth Protection Act (parents, persons responsible for the education of minors, etc.) should pay 20% of the standard rate.

A further differentiation is made depending on whether children or young people are affected by the violation, e.g. the standard rate for children in restaurants is higher than for young people. For example, the standard fine for violating the residence regulations for children and young people in restaurants is between EUR 250 and EUR 1,000, and between EUR 750 and EUR 5,000 in amusement arcades. The unauthorized supply of alcoholic beverages is punishable with EUR 500 to EUR 3,000 depending on the age of the children and young people and the supply of tobacco products with a standard fine of EUR 1,000.

Further information on the new catalog of fines can be found on the homepage of the Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Women, Family and Health.