What specific regulations are Bft franchisees required to comply with regarding health and safety?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E.
Franchisor may require that Franchisee install and operate a surveillance camera with audio at the premises of the Studio to help monitor instructor performance, quality assurance and safety.
Franchisee is responsible for complying with all Applicable Laws in connection with the use of the surveillance camera.
Franchisee acknowledges and agrees that its indemnification obligations under this Agreement include claims arising from or related to any breaches of privacy from Franchisee's use of any surveillance camera.
- 8.2 Franchisor's Right to Inspect. To determine whether Franchisee is complying with this Agreement and the System Standards, Franchisor reserves the right, at any reasonable time and without prior notice, and subject to Applicable Laws, to inspect and assess all aspects of the Studio's appearance and operations, including the right to: (1) inspect and examine the Studio premises, fitness equipment, facilities and operation of the Studio in person; (2) interview Franchisee and Franchisee's employees and any independent contractors; (3) interview members and customers of and suppliers to the Studio and any other person with whom Franchisee does business; (4) confer with members and staff of government agencies with authority over Franchisee about matters relevant to the Studio; and (5) use "mystery shoppers," who may pose as customers.
- 8.3 Personnel. Franchisee agrees to engage in the operation of the Studio only persons of high character and ability who maintain and exhibit traits of enthusiasm, cleanliness, neatness, friendliness,
honesty and loyalty, it being recognized by Franchisee that such persons are necessary in order to promote and maintain customer satisfaction and the goodwill of the System. Franchisee must ensure that in connection with all dealings with all stakeholders in the value of the BFT brand and System (including, without limitation, with Franchisor, its affiliates, Franchisor and its affiliates' employees, other BFT franchisees, franchisees of Franchisor's affiliates, members and prospective Studio members of the BFT brand or any other brand in connection with Franchisor's affiliates, and suppliers and vendors), its and each of its owners' and employees' must act honestly and ethically in each instance. Franchisee agrees to staff the Studio at all times with a sufficient number of qualified, competent personnel who have been trained in accordance with this Agreement and the System Standards. Franchisee, not Franchisor, shall be considered the employer of all employees and the principal of all independent contractors of the Studio. It is the sole responsibility of Franchisee to hire, discipline, discharge and establish wages, hours, benefits, employment policies and other terms and conditions of employment for its employees and independent contractors. Franchisee is solely responsible for obtaining its own independent legal advice regarding the employment of employees and retention of independent contractors, and for complying with any and all Applicable Laws pertaining thereto. Franchisor shall have no responsibility for the terms and conditions of Franchisee's relationship with Franchisee's employees and/or independent contractors. Franchisee shall engage in no discriminatory employment practices and shall in every way comply with all Applicable Laws, including all wage-hour, civil rights, immigration, employee safety and related employment and payroll related laws. Franchisee shall make all necessary filings with, and pay all taxes and fees due to, the Internal Revenue Service and all other federal, state and local governmental agencies or entities to which filings and payments are required. Franchisee acknowledges that nothing in this Section or Agreement shall, or may be construed to, create any type of employer or joint employer relationship between (a) Franchisee or any of Franchisee's personnel, and (b) Franchisor in any matter.
- B. The Studio and all fitness equipment shall, at all times, be maintained in accordance with the System Standards. Franchisee shall promptly repair or replace defective or obsolete equipment, signage, fixtures or any other item of the interior or exterior that is in need of repair, refurbishing or redecorating in accordance with such standards established (and updated from time to time) by Franchisor or as may be required by Franchisee's lease.
- C. Franchisee recognizes that Franchisor may, in its discretion, evolve the System and the features and appearance of BFT Studios to, among other things, respond to new fads, new forms of exercise, new equipment, new training techniques, and changing customer demands. Franchisee further understands that fitness equipment and other equipment wears out, breaks down, or becomes obsolete. Consequently, from time to time, as Franchisor requires, Franchisee must modernize and/or replace components of the Trade Dress and Studio's operating assets and equipment as may be necessary for the Studio to conform to the System Standards for new BFT Studios. Further, Franchisee will be required to thoroughly modernize or remodel the Studio, at Franchisee's cost, when requested by Franchisor, but no more than once every 5
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for complying with all Applicable Laws, including employee safety laws. Franchisees must maintain their studios and fitness equipment according to Bft's System Standards and promptly repair or replace any defective or obsolete items. Bft may require franchisees to install and operate a surveillance camera with audio at the studio to help monitor instructor performance, quality assurance, and safety; franchisees are responsible for complying with all Applicable Laws in connection with the use of the surveillance camera and liable for claims arising from breaches of privacy from the use of any surveillance cameras.
Bft franchisees must ensure they engage persons of high character and ability who maintain traits of enthusiasm, cleanliness, neatness, friendliness, honesty, and loyalty. Franchisees must staff their studios with a sufficient number of qualified, competent personnel who have been trained in accordance with the franchise agreement and System Standards. Franchisees are responsible for their own independent legal advice regarding the employment of employees and retention of independent contractors, and for complying with any and all Applicable Laws pertaining thereto.
Bft franchisees must modernize or remodel their studios when requested by Bft, but no more than once every five years. This includes replacing fitness equipment and gear and making structural changes to comply with Bft's requirements. Bft also reserves the right to inspect and assess all aspects of the studio's appearance and operations at any reasonable time and without prior notice, subject to Applicable Laws.