> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Business Rules

Businesses are the **cornerstone of our community roleplay**. They provide jobs, storylines, and services that make the city feel alive. Owning a business is a **privilege**, not a right — and with it comes responsibility. Businesses must contribute to the community and uphold the standards of quality roleplay. Failure to do so will result in strikes, suspension, or repossession.

***

### **Starting a Business**

* **Application Required**
  * All prospective business owners must submit an application via Discord.
  * Applications must include a **creative and detailed proposal** (concept, structure, hiring plan, events, roleplay vision). Low-effort apps will be denied.
* **Allowlist Requirement**
  * Only **custom businesses** (non-predefined / server-lore businesses) require the Allowlist+ role.
  * Predefined/lore businesses may be purchased without Allowlist+.
* **Ownership Limits**
  * Characters may own **1 business maximum**.
  * Gangs/factions may collectively own **2 businesses maximum** (owners or managers count; basic employees do not).
  * Circumvention by proxy ownership/managers will be punished.
* **Transfer & Sale**
  * Businesses may be sold or transferred, but only with prior **staff approval via ticket**.
  * Unauthorized transfers will result in repossession.
* **Activity Requirement**
  * Businesses must remain active through promotions, events, and consistent roleplay.
  * Inactivity (no events, no public presence) will result in repossession.
  * If repossessed, the player must wait 3 **weeks** before reapplying.

***

### **Running a Business**

* **Compliance**
  * All businesses are bound by the **Bureau of Business Affairs Handbook**. Ignorance of this resource is not an excuse.
* **Audits**
  * Businesses are subject to random audits by the Bureau of Business Affairs.
  * Failure to comply with audits or found violations may result in strikes or shutdowns.
* **Hiring Practices**
  * You must hire outside of your gang/friend group. Businesses should provide opportunities to the wider community.
  * Favoritism and “closed shops” are not acceptable.
* **Events**
  * Each business must host **at least one community event per month** (grand openings, sales, promotions, roleplay-driven events).
  * Events must be IC and create roleplay opportunities for others.
* **Respect & Conduct**
  * Businesses are **neutral hubs**. Do not bait gang/LEO conflicts at businesses.
  * Do not use businesses to launder gang money, hide crime, or escalate fights.
  * Sabotaging another business through OOC-driven strikes or false reports is prohibited.

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### **Rules & Expectations**

* **Business Roleplay First** – The primary focus of businesses is providing roleplay, not grinding money.
* **Government Oversight** – All businesses operate under city government authority. Licenses can be suspended or revoked at any time.
* **No Exploits** – Abusing mechanics (e.g., money printers, exploit crafting) is strictly forbidden.
* **Fair Pricing** – Businesses must keep prices **reasonable** for the economy. Predatory pricing, scamming, or hoarding markets is not allowed.
* **Representation** – Owners/managers must represent the business professionally. Toxic or low-quality RP from leadership will reflect on the business.
* **Conflict** – Rivalries and competition are welcome, but must remain IC and story-driven. OOC toxicity will not be tolerated.

***

### **Violations & Penalties**

Businesses operate on a **strike system**:

* **1st Offense** – Written warning.
* **2nd Offense** – Strike + suspension of business perks for 7 days.
* **3rd Offense** – Strike + repossession of business license. Owner may reapply after 30 days.
* **4th Offense** – Permanent closure of the business. Player may be barred from future ownership.

*Severe or intentional violations (exploits, laundering, repeated gang abuse) may result in immediate repossession or permanent ban.*

***

### **Additional Notes**

* **Gang Affiliation** – Gangs may own businesses, but they cannot operate as gang hideouts or fronts for constant crime. Businesses are expected to remain **public-facing** and roleplay accessible.
* **Secondary Characters** – You may work at multiple businesses as an employee, but may only **own one** per character.
* **Revoked Businesses** – If your business is revoked, all assets tied to the business may be liquidated by the government.
* **Inactive Owners** – Businesses left inactive will be reclaimed and resold to active community members.