What specific sexual harassment prevention and training requirements must Illinois Aw franchisees meet?
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, Illinois franchisees must adhere to specific sexual harassment prevention and training requirements that became effective January 1, 2020. These requirements include implementing and providing employees with a written sexual harassment policy. This is in addition to obtaining a food service sanitation code certificate, which is also required for franchisees and their employees in Illinois.
This requirement means that prospective Aw franchisees in Illinois must be prepared to develop and implement a comprehensive written sexual harassment policy that complies with state law. This policy must be provided to all employees. Franchisees will likely need to invest time and resources into understanding the legal requirements, creating the policy, and training employees on its contents. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal penalties and liabilities for the franchisee.
It is important for potential Aw franchisees to consult with legal counsel and HR professionals to ensure full compliance with Illinois' sexual harassment prevention and training laws. Additionally, franchisees should stay updated on any changes to these laws to maintain ongoing compliance. While Aw specifies these requirements, it is the franchisee's responsibility to investigate and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.