In Washington, is Apricot Lane allowed to restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other franchisees of Apricot Lane?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
RCW 49.62.060 prohibits a franchisor from restricting, restraining, or prohibiting a franchisee from (i) soliciting or hiring any employee of a franchisee of the same franchisor or (ii) soliciting or hiring any employee of the franchisor. As a result, any such provisions contained in the franchise agreement or elsewhere are void and unenforceable in Washington.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Apricot Lane's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in the state of Washington, Apricot Lane cannot restrict a franchisee from soliciting or hiring employees of other Apricot Lane franchisees. This is due to RCW 49.62.060, a Washington state law, which explicitly prohibits franchisors from imposing such restrictions. As a result, any provisions within the franchise agreement that attempt to enforce such limitations are considered void and unenforceable in Washington.
This protection for franchisees in Washington means that an Apricot Lane franchisee in Washington has the freedom to recruit and hire employees from other Apricot Lane locations without facing legal repercussions from the franchisor. This can be a significant advantage for franchisees looking to build a strong team by attracting experienced personnel from within the Apricot Lane franchise network.
Prospective franchisees in Washington should be aware of this state-specific addendum and understand that the standard franchise agreement might contain clauses that are not applicable or enforceable in Washington. It is crucial to consult with legal counsel to fully understand their rights and obligations under Washington law when entering into a franchise agreement with Apricot Lane.