State laws (statutes and regulations) generally govern the number and length of breaks and meal periods employers must provide employees—usually based on the number of consecutive hours the employee has worked that day. These laws vary from state to state and many states have separate provisions requiring meal periods specifically for minors (when minors are covered by two provisions, employer must observe the higher standard).

Federal law does not require lunch or coffee breaks for employees, but if employers do offer short breaks (usually lasting about 5 to 20 minutes) federal law considers the breaks compensable work hours that must be included in the number of hours worked when calculating overtime pay. Unauthorized extensions of authorized work breaks need not be counted as hours worked when the employer has expressly and unambiguously communicated to the employee that the authorized break may only last for a specific length of time, that any extension of the break is contrary to the employer's rules, and that any extension of the break will be punished. Bona fide meal periods (typically lasting at least 30 minutes) serve a different purpose than coffee or snack breaks, are not work time, and are not compensable.

In Maryland, state law requires employers to provide certain employees with a reasonable opportunity to take a meal break. Specifically, non-exempt employees who work more than 6 consecutive hours are entitled to a 30-minute break. This break can be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of all work duties. If the employee is required to perform any duties during this time, the break must be paid. For minors under the age of 18, Maryland law mandates a 30-minute break for every 5 consecutive hours of work. Employers must adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance with state labor laws. It's important to note that these provisions may not apply to all types of employment or industries, so employers and employees should consult specific Maryland statutes or an attorney for guidance related to their particular situation. Federal law complements these state regulations by requiring that any short breaks offered by the employer, typically lasting 5 to 20 minutes, be compensated and counted towards the total hours worked for overtime calculations. However, bona fide meal periods, usually lasting at least 30 minutes, are not considered work time and are not compensable under federal law.