Who bears the cost and expense of obtaining a beer and wine license for an Aplus store?

According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for the cost and expense of obtaining a beer and wine license. Specifically, if the premises is located in a jurisdiction where beer and wine licenses are available to convenience food store operators, the franchisee must obtain the beer and wine license at their sole cost and expense. This requirement is a Condition Precedent to the agreement.

However, there is an exception. If the law states that a beer and wine license is not available until construction is completed or the Aplus store is open for business, this requirement is waived as a Condition Precedent. Despite this waiver, the franchisee still acknowledges and agrees to diligently pursue obtaining a beer and wine license at the earliest possible date.

This means that as a prospective Aplus franchisee, you should be prepared to cover all costs associated with acquiring a beer and wine license if it is required in your location. This could include application fees, legal fees, and any other expenses related to obtaining the license. It is important to investigate the specific requirements and costs in your jurisdiction to accurately budget for this expense.