Posted Thursday, January 17, 2013 --- 7:00 p.m.

MERRILL, Wis. (AP) -- A federal agency says a Merrill restaurant will pay $41,000 to settle allegations it failed to prevent a cook from sexually harassing waitresses.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a consent decree involving New Pine Ridge Restaurant was entered into federal court Monday.

The EEOC says the cook created a hostile work environment by making crude comments to waitresses and grabbing their breasts.

The agency says the women complained but the restaurant owner did not stop the harassment. The EEOC also alleges some women were fired in retaliation for complaining.

Under the settlement, the restaurant will pay $41,000 to a former waitress. The restaurant's owner, manager and employees also will undergo training about employees' rights.

The restaurant's owner referred calls to his attorney, who did not immediately return a message Thursday.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press