Where is the meaning of 'Payment Non-Compliance Fee' defined in the Beard Papas franchise agreement?

According to Beard Papas's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of 'Payment Non-Compliance Fee' is found in Article 5.D. of the franchise agreement. This fee is levied if any payment due to Beard Papas is not paid in full when due.

Specifically, Article 5.D. states that a franchisee will incur a $150 Payment Non-Compliance Fee for each instance of late or incomplete payment. In addition to this fee, Beard Papas may also charge interest on the unpaid amount, calculated at the lesser of 18% per annum or the maximum interest rate allowed by law. This interest accrues from the original due date of the payment.

Furthermore, the franchisee is responsible for covering all costs Beard Papas incurs while trying to collect the unpaid amounts, including reasonable attorney's fees and other related expenses. If a franchisee's bank rejects a payment due to insufficient funds, Beard Papas can charge a fee of either 5% of the amount due or $50, whichever is greater, or the maximum amount allowed by law. These stipulations do not obligate Beard Papas to accept late payments or extend credit to the franchisee.