What must an Aw franchisee do to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and codes?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will need to obtain the proper food and beverage license from the proper licensing agencies. In Illinois you and other employees must obtain a food service sanitation code certificate. Other jurisdictions may have similar requirements. You must comply with all local, state and federal health and sanitation laws and menu labeling laws applicable to businesses selling food and beverages. You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable labor and employment laws in operating your Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. For franchisees in Illinois, new laws that became effective January 1, 2020 require businesses to meet specific sexual harassment prevention and training requirements, and require restaurant businesses specifically to implement and provide to employees a written sexual harassment policy. There may be other laws and codes applicable to your business. You must investigate all applicable laws, regulations and codes to find out what you need to do to comply.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for understanding and adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to their business. This includes obtaining the necessary food and beverage licenses from the appropriate agencies. For example, in Illinois, franchisees and their employees must secure a food service sanitation code certificate, and other jurisdictions may have similar requirements. Franchisees must also comply with all local, state, and federal health and sanitation laws, as well as menu labeling laws applicable to businesses selling food and beverages.
Aw franchisees are solely responsible for complying with all applicable labor and employment laws in operating their Papa Ray's Pizza Restaurant. In Illinois, new laws effective January 1, 2020, mandate that businesses meet specific sexual harassment prevention and training requirements. Restaurant businesses, in particular, must implement and provide employees with a written sexual harassment policy.
The FDD emphasizes that there may be other laws and codes applicable to the franchisee's business. Therefore, it is the franchisee's responsibility to investigate all applicable laws, regulations, and codes to determine what actions are necessary to ensure compliance. This places the onus on the franchisee to conduct thorough due diligence and seek legal counsel to fully understand their obligations and avoid potential legal issues.