Who is responsible for determining which licenses and permits are required for operating a Southern Steer business?
Southern_Steer Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (b) Required Licenses and Permits.
The Franchisee will, at its expense, be solely and exclusively responsible for determining the licenses and permits required by applicable law for the Franchisee's Southern Steer Business, for obtaining and qualifying for all licenses and permits, and for compliance with all applicable laws by its employees, Executive Management, agents and independent contractors.
The Franchisor makes no representations or assurances as to what (if any) licenses, permits, authorizations or otherwise may be required in connection with the Southern Steer Business.
It is the Franchisee's sole responsibility to identify and obtain all authorizations necessary to operate the Southern Steer Business.
Source: Item 22 — ITEM. 22 CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–168)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Southern Steer Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is solely and exclusively responsible for determining the necessary licenses and permits to operate their Southern Steer business. This includes obtaining and qualifying for all required licenses and permits, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws by their employees, executive management, agents, and independent contractors. Southern Steer makes no guarantees regarding what specific licenses, permits, or authorizations may be needed.
This means that prospective Southern Steer franchisees must conduct their own due diligence to identify all authorizations necessary to legally operate their business. This responsibility extends to ensuring that the business is designed and constructed in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The franchisee is also responsible for inspections during construction or renovation to confirm that the location is being built in a workmanlike manner and according to Southern Steer's specifications.
The franchisee is also responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, and building codes, and for acquiring all licenses and building, occupancy, and other permits required by law in connection with the construction or renovation of the Southern Steer Business at the Franchised Location. This places a significant burden on the franchisee to be knowledgeable about local regulations or to hire qualified professionals who can provide guidance.
Southern Steer will not be held responsible if the business is not constructed or renovated according to their specifications, in compliance with applicable laws, or in a workmanlike manner. This underscores the importance of the franchisee's role in ensuring compliance and quality throughout the construction and operation of the Southern Steer business.