// Standard Operating Procedure

BUSINESS SOP

The rulebook for legal businesses in the city - how to open them, run them, staff them and keep them off the wrong side of a Treasury audit.

Earning a business is an RP journey. We prioritize concepts that add something to the city - niches that aren't already filled and ideas with long-term narrative hooks.
Fronts are scrutinized. Registering a "laundromat" that's actually a drug den? Fine - that's good RP. Registering one to bypass crime rules? That's a ban.

Ownership & Registration

  • Business Application

    All businesses must be applied for via the #business-applications channel. Include concept, projected hours and proposed pricing.

  • One Business Per Owner

    A single character may own ONE registered business at a time. Secondary investments are allowed but not management roles.

  • Active Operation

    Businesses inactive for 14 consecutive days risk forfeiture. Holiday notice may be filed in advance with staff.

  • Sale & Transfer

    Businesses may be sold via in-character contract. Real-money transactions for business assets are bannable.

Hiring & Staff

  • Employee Roster Cap

    Small business: 4 employees. Medium: 8. Large: 12. Cap is enforced via management UI.

  • Hiring Process

    All hires must have an in-character interview. Document the interview in-phone and submit a log to the business channel.

  • Employee Conduct

    Employees represent your brand. Discrimination, theft from clients, or repeated fail-RP is grounds for immediate dismissal.

  • Training Period

    New hires work a 3 in-game day training period at reduced pay before being given keys / card access.

Pricing & Service

  • Fair Pricing

    Prices must fall within the published pricing guide (±15%). Predatory pricing during emergencies (no fuel, no ammo) is not tolerated.

  • Service Obligation

    If you're open, you serve everyone who walks in - including gang members, cops, and rivals. Refusing service requires in-character cause.

  • Tax Compliance

    Business tax is auto-deducted at the end of each in-game week. Maintain sufficient float - overdrafts lock the till.

  • Receipts

    All transactions above $2,500 must be logged in-phone. Phone logs are admissible evidence during audits.

Safety & Conduct

  • Business is a Safe Zone

    All legal, registered businesses are Safe Zones. Robbery, shootouts and hostage grabs are forbidden inside.

  • Owner Responsibilities

    Business owners may not sell weapons, drugs or stolen items through their legal storefront. Do that and the business is seized.

  • Cooperation With Audits

    Treasury audits happen randomly. Obstructing audits is an offense with in-character fines and OOC consequences.

  • Insurance

    Optional business insurance covers break-ins and vandalism. Claim via #insurance-claims with video evidence.

Advertising & Branding

  • In-Character Only

    Ads go out via the in-game phone Twitter clone, radio or posters. No OOC Discord plugs.

  • No Defamation

    Don't roast rival businesses by name unless you're ready for the IC beef that follows.

  • Branded Vehicles

    Company vehicles require a livery application through the MLO team. Unbranded company cars are allowed.