Is a Southern Steer franchisee allowed to make derogatory statements via the internet?

According to Southern Steer's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are explicitly prohibited from making derogatory, defamatory, or libelous statements online. This restriction applies to any transmission made via the Internet, through any Intranet network, or by any other means. This policy aims to protect the brand's reputation and maintain a consistent, positive image across all communication channels.

This restriction has significant implications for prospective franchisees. It means that franchisees must exercise caution and discretion in all their online communications, whether through email, social media, or any other digital platform. Any statement that could be construed as derogatory, defamatory, or libelous could potentially lead to a breach of the franchise agreement.

Southern Steer also maintains control over the brand's online presence. Franchisees cannot establish a website, mobile application, or blog to advertise their Southern Steer Business without prior written approval from the franchisor. Furthermore, all social media sites are created and managed by Southern Steer, and franchisees do not have the right to create Internet pages or engage in social media communications at the local level. This centralized approach ensures brand consistency and helps prevent franchisees from making unauthorized or inappropriate statements online.

Given these restrictions, prospective Southern Steer franchisees should carefully consider the implications for their online activities and ensure they fully understand and comply with the franchisor's policies. It would be prudent to seek clarification from Southern Steer regarding specific examples of prohibited statements and the potential consequences of non-compliance.