What specific written sexual harassment policy must Illinois Aw restaurant businesses implement and provide to employees?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 in Illinois must adhere to specific sexual harassment prevention and training requirements that became effective January 1, 2020. These laws mandate that restaurant businesses implement and provide a written sexual harassment policy to their employees.
This requirement means that if you are opening an Aw franchise in Illinois, you will need to create and implement a written sexual harassment policy that complies with Illinois state law. This policy must be provided to all employees. The FDD does not specify the exact contents of the policy, but it does emphasize the franchisee's responsibility to comply with all applicable labor and employment laws.
Prospective franchisees should consult with legal counsel to ensure their sexual harassment policy meets all the requirements of Illinois law. It is also important to stay updated on any changes to these laws, as compliance is solely the franchisee's responsibility. This is a critical aspect of operating a franchise in Illinois, as failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and financial repercussions.