Does Belocal consider a 'nolo contendere' plea to a felony charge equivalent to a conviction for the purposes of evaluating involved parties?

According to Belocal's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a plea of 'nolo contendere' to a felony charge is treated the same as a conviction. This applies to the franchisor, its predecessors, individuals identified in Item 2, and affiliates offering franchises under Belocal's trademark.

Specifically, Belocal does not want any of these parties to have been convicted of a felony or pleaded 'nolo contendere' to a felony charge. This also extends to misdemeanor charges within the ten years immediately preceding the application for registration. The FDD also states that these parties should not be subject to civil actions alleging violations of franchise, antifraud, or securities laws; fraud; embezzlement; fraudulent conversion or misappropriation of property; or unfair or deceptive practices.

This policy ensures that Belocal maintains a high standard of integrity and protects the interests of its franchisees by avoiding associations with individuals who have a history of legal or ethical issues. Prospective franchisees should be aware of this policy, as it reflects Belocal's commitment to a trustworthy and reputable franchise system.