Does the Attorney General enforce the City Publications franchise offering?
City_Publications Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.
| FOR THE STATE OF CAL | IFORNIA |
|---|---|
| ---------------------- | --------- |
| Year ending December 31: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $ 29,393 | |
| 2026 | 22,613 |
-
- In recognition of the requirements of the California Franchise Investment Law, Cal. Corp. Code §§31000-31516 and the California Franchise Relations Act, Cal. Bus. And Prof. Code §§20000-20043, the Franchise Agreement for CITY PUBLICATIONS FRANCHISE GROUP, INC. shall be amended as follows:
- The California Franchise Relations Act provides rights to the Franchise concerning termination or nonrenewal of the Franchise Agreement, which may supersede provisions in the Franchise Agreement, specifically Sections 5.B and 19.
- Sections 5B.10 and 20B.2 of the Franchise Agreement require Franchisee to sign a general release as a condition of renewal and transfer of the franchise; such release shall exclude claims arising under California Franchise Investment Law and California Franchise Relations Act.
- Section 17A of the Franchise Agreement contains a covenant not to compete which extends beyond the expiration or termination of the Franchise Agreement; this covenant may not be enforceable under California law.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 39–129)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
Based on the 2025 City Publications Franchise Disclosure Document, the Attorney General's role in enforcing the franchise offering is not explicitly mentioned. However, the document includes amendments to the franchise agreement that recognize and address specific state franchise laws, including those in California, Maryland, and Rhode Island. These amendments suggest that City Publications acknowledges and attempts to comply with state-specific regulations, which are often overseen by state Attorneys General or similar regulatory bodies.
For example, the amendment for California recognizes the California Franchise Investment Law and the California Franchise Relations Act, modifying certain sections of the franchise agreement to align with these laws. Similarly, the amendment for Maryland acknowledges the Maryland Franchise Registration and Disclosure Law, and the Rhode Island amendment references The Rhode Island Franchise Investment Act. These acknowledgements indicate that City Publications is aware of and responsive to state franchise regulations.
While the FDD excerpts do not directly state that the Attorney General enforces the City Publications franchise offering, the inclusion of state-specific amendments implies that City Publications is subject to state regulatory oversight. A prospective franchisee should consult with legal counsel and contact the relevant state authorities, such as the Attorney General's office, to fully understand the enforcement mechanisms and regulatory landscape in their specific state.