Who is responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates for an Apricot Lane store?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Store may not be opened for business without the final approval by us of the Store's compliance with the System. We are to be given access to the premises while work is in progress for review purposes. You are responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including a certificate of occupancy. The Store may not be opened until all requisite government permits have been issued. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governmental orders in some jurisdictions caused delays in some new Store openings of approximately 30 days on average. COUNTRY VISIONS extended all applicable opening deadlines for affected franchisees.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for obtaining all final permits and certificates, including the certificate of occupancy, that are needed to operate the store. The Apricot Lane store cannot be opened until all required government permits have been issued.
This means that the franchisee must navigate the local regulatory environment to ensure the store is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important for franchisees to factor this into their timeline for opening the store. The franchisor, Country Visions, must give final approval of the store's compliance with the system before the store opens and is to be given access to the premises while work is in progress for review purposes.
Typically, franchisees in any system are responsible for securing their own permits and licenses, as these are specific to the local jurisdiction where the business operates. Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines, delays in opening, or even the closure of the business. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective Apricot Lane franchisees to thoroughly research and understand the permitting requirements in their area and to allocate sufficient time and resources to this task.