Rules & Regulations

To Thursday Night Promotions Participants:

Welcome to Thursday Night Promotions (TNP) also commonly referred to as the “World Famous” Farmers’ Market. The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association is proud of the growth and popularity of TNP, one of the most successful promotions in Downtown SLO and emulated by communities everywhere.

TNP has earned a reputation as a well-rounded event featuring a Certified Farmers’ Market, food vendors, merchant and community displays, as well as great entertainment bringing national visibility to both the Central Coast and Downtown San Luis Obispo.Thank you for your interest in participating in this event.

This booklet contains the rules and regulations that apply to all participants. It is the responsibility of all participants to familiarize themselves with and adhere to these requirements during TNP.

The TNP Committee, which governs this weekly event, has developed these rules and regulations to assist you in planning your TNP activity. Because of the many participants and thousands of visitors who attend, it is important that the Rules and Regulations as set forth below be strictly observed. A Promotions Coordinator serves on the Downtown Association staff to assist you with your TNP plans and logistics. Please contact the Promotions Coordinator (541-0286) if you have any questions.

Thursday night in Downtown San Luis Obispo is a special experience for people of all ages - residents, tourists and participants alike. Your cooperation in helping maintain the family and community-oriented atmosphere so essential to TNP’s continued success is greatly appreciated.

Board of Directors
Thursday Night Promotions Committee
SLO Downtown Association

The Downtown Association Office is located at:

1108 Garden St., Ste. 210
(805) 541-0286
http://www.downtownslo.com

1. PURPOSE, GOALS, and STRUCTURE

A. The purpose of TNP is to promote business in the Downtown core. TNP is organized by, administered by and paid for by the Downtown Association. The Downtown Association is an advisory body to the San Luis Obispo City Council and is created and operated under state and local laws. The Downtown Association administers TNP in order to:

• create a positive image of Downtown San Luis Obispo
• expose community members to retail stores and services offered Downtown
• generate foot traffic on Thursday nights
• provide a forum for community activities
• maintain the Downtown as the center of retail, social, and civic activities
• enhance the community as a whole.

All activities must be consistent with these goals.

B. The Downtown Association Board of Directors urges members to participate in TNP,both to enhance the event and to benefit their own businesses.

C. It is the goal of the Downtown Association to schedule activities on Thursday nights that promote a wholesome, family atmosphere. Events should appeal to all ages, and provide a consumer mix that reaches all aspects of the marketplace. Downtown Association members should politely report infractions of any rules to the Promotions Coordinator.

D. All activities are under the auspices of the TNP Committee (Committee), which reviews applications, plans events and promotions, and enforces all rules and regulations.The TNP Committee meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month or as directed by the Committee Chair. These rules and regulations may be revised at the discretion of the Downtown Association Board of Directors and upon approval of the San Luis Obispo City Council.

2. DEFINITIONS

The following definitions refer to commonly used terms throughout the Rules and Regulations and serve to clarify the meaning of key terms.

TNP - an abbreviation for Thursday Night Promotions. Sometimes referred to as“Farmers’ Market,” TNP includes the presence of the SLO County Farmers’ Market Association, Inc., a separate entity.

RETAIL BUSINESS - a retail business that occupies an approved retail space within the boundaries of the Downtown Association district. Retail businesses must operate during normal business hours on a year-round basis with that business’ primary place of operation within the Downtown Association boundaries. The business must hold all required Downtown Association, City of San Luis Obispo, and State of California permits. Retail businesses must have a Business Tax Certificate in the City of San Luis Obispo. Vending machines, newspaper/magazine racks, P.O. boxes, snack boxes, and other similar businesses that primarily involve machines or do not encompass personal contact are excluded from this definition and are not eligible to participate.

DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION MEMBER - A Downtown Association member is a business within the legally recognized and formally delineated Downtown Association boundaries which pays a double business license tax; OR is a business within the boundaries which is exempted by state or federal mandate from paying a business license tax but which makes a voluntary contribution to the organization (voluntary member). A map of Downtown Association boundaries is included in this booklet.

NON-MEMBER – A non-member is a business that is not located within the Downtown Association boundaries but has a permanent address and operates normal business hours on a year-round basis. Non-members must have a City of San Luis Business Tax Certificate.

GOOD STANDING - A business in “good standing” is defined as a Downtown Association member who has all the necessary permits to operate a business within the City of San Luis Obispo and TNP, has paid the appropriate TNP fees, has no violations and is actively using the space assigned for TNP.

BUSINESS HOURS - Consecutive hours of operation for consecutive days during a business week. Minimum hours of operation are five consecutive days for five consecutive hours per day. An example of this could be Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

TNP OFFICIAL - Any member of the Downtown Association staff, Board of Directors,TNP Committee, City of San Luis Obispo Police or Fire Departments can be designated as a TNP official for enforcing the rules and regulations of TNP.

FIRE LANE - a 20’ wide unimpeded path for use by fire, police, and medical vehicles,the location of which is determined by the Fire Department and the Downtown Association. The fire lane in the 700 block of Higuera Street will be designated by the parking ticks/markers on the street for both sides of the block. The center lane striping will designate the fire lane in all other blocks of Higuera Street. All booths must conform to this requirement. The TNP Committee will review booth configuration at the time of application for compliance with the fire lane regulations. For entertainers, a 20-foot fire lane must be observed down the middle of the street or on one side or the other.

NON-COMPETING BUSINESS - a business outside the Downtown Association district boundaries which is determined at the time of application to not be similar, related and/or a competing business with any business or organization that is a member of the Downtown Association.

FUND RAISING - the solicitation of funds in return for merchandise or services.

PRESENCE ON THE MARKET - Participants are expected to leave display booth or usual type of setup in assigned space until 9:00 p.m. No early take downs are allowed.

3. MEMBER PARTICIPATION

A. Members wishing to participate in TNP must file an application with the Downtown Association and, upon approval and payment of fee, obtain a permit from the Downtown Association office. Member vendors must have a seller’s permit and a retail store in the Downtown Association district with scheduled, posted, operating business hours.Merchandise sales at TNP are limited to those items sold from an established inventory within the normal scope of each participant’s daily business. Sales or services at TNP must be provided by a Downtown Association member owner, manager, employee or family member and not an agent of the business. Service and professional applicants must conduct the majority of their business within the Downtown Association district.

B. TNP permits may not be reassigned or sold. A Downtown Association member’s business cannot act as a sales agent for a non-member business. The participant must be a Downtown Association member in good standing and have an active lease or ownership in the Downtown Association district. If it is determined a member business selling at TNP is selling inventory not part of that member’s business, the permit may be revoked.

C. Upon request, and space permitting, the Committee will attempt to place vendors in close proximity to their places of business. Member participants are not guaranteed space in the location of their choice.

4. NON MEMBER BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

A. At the discretion of the Committee, an outside business (commercial enterprises that are not within the Downtown Association district) may be permitted to participate in TNP if the Committee determines that the business’ participation will provide a public service or will promote the goals and purposes of TNP. If so determined that the business fulfills the definition of a Non member as described above, the business may be granted a permit and may participate. Non-members will also be subject to non-member fees.

B. Non-member businesses that have not applied for or received a permit for TNP will not be allowed to participate in TNP.

5. FUND RAISING FOR / BY NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

A. At the discretion of the Committee, a Not-For-Profit organization may be permitted to participate if the Committee determines that the organization’s participation will provide a public service or will serve to promote the purposes and goals of TNP.

B. Not-For-Profit groups may conduct direct sales no more than four (4) times per year,once per quarter, and not more than two (2) consecutive weeks. Sponsorship from Downtown Association members may not be solicited to circumvent this rule.Note: Fund raising dates & materials must be pre-approved by the Committee.

C. Participants shall limit sales to items specified on the approved application.Merchandise or related fund raising items can be at the participants’ booth on approved fund-raising dates only and may not be displayed weekly.

D. Organizations wishing to raise funds during TNP must have a Not-For-Profit status.Verification must be provided at the time of application. Reasonable documentation,such as meeting minutes, by-laws, articles of incorporation, communication from the Secretary of State, tax payer documentation or other indication of non-profit status will be accepted as verification.

Note: Student clubs and organizations must provide written authorization from their advisor(s) - Cal Poly students are to initiate an E-plan at the ASI Business Office.

E. All monies generated by sales or solicitations, excluding direct material costs, must go to the Not-For-Profit group, not to individuals within the group. The Committee may request a full accounting.

F. The organization must submit its application no less than three (3) weeks in advance of the desired attendance date. Upon review and approval by the Committee and payment of fees, a space will be assigned. Participants are not guaranteed space in the location of their choice.

G. If food items are to be sold, the organization must have the necessary written approval from the San Luis Obispo County Health Department prior to receiving a permit.

H. Participants shall keep their area clean during the activity and leave the space and surrounding area clean afterward.

I. Participants will be required to reimburse the Downtown Association for any costs incurred relating directly to their activity.

6. POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INFORMATIONAL GROUPS

A. Approved applicants will be given space on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. Participants are not guaranteed space in the location of their choice.Additional spaces maybe temporarily provided for special events or occasions, e.g.election season.

B. All groups or individuals wishing to disseminate information, pass petitions, or promote political, religious, or personal beliefs are strongly encouraged to submit a signed application no less than three (3) weeks in advance of the date desired. Upon review and approval of the application by the Committee the applicant’s name will be added to the list desiring space. The Committee will not discriminate on the basis of race,religion, creed, color, gender, political beliefs, national origin, age, physical disability or other basis prohibited by law.

C. Applicants whose format is determined to be entertainment shall not be eligible for a space allocation under this section, but shall be regulated by Section 7.

D. Participants may not harass, follow, or intimidate Downtown visitors or Downtown Association staff. Activity that impedes the flow of pedestrian traffic is not allowed.Applicants must stay within their assigned space. Activities that are conducted in such a manner as to interfere with the goals or purposes of TNP may result in immediate revocation of the permit.

E. Handbills may only be posted with City or property owner approval. No stickers or adhesive materials are allowed at TNP.

F. Participants shall keep their area clean during TNP and leave the space and surrounding area clean afterward. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

G. Except for approved entertainment use, no amplification is allowed.

7. ENTERTAINMENT

A. The committee shall select the type of entertainment best suited to promote the goals of TNP. Auditions, demo tapes or CDs are required. Entertainers will perform the type and style of entertainment exhibited during audition.

B. Entertainers must keep sound levels within the following guidelines: 80 decibels at Garden Street and 90 decibels at all other TNP venues. Entertainers may not use generators. Violation of decibel level guidelines will result in warning followed by electrical disconnect and/or removal from the market.

C. Power connections are the responsibility of the entertainer. Entertainers must treat merchant property with great care. Any abuse will result in immediate revocation of permit and cancellation of additional performances. Electrical hook-ups are subject to Fire Department regulations. All extension cords must be taped down or properly covered to avoid a tripping hazard.

D. Entertainers are subject to appropriate fees, which must be paid when permit is issued. Entertainers may passively ask for donations but may not actively solicit money.

E. Entertainers are subject to space availability and assignment as determined by staff.

F. The Downtown Association requires that all music performed during TNP be original and/or music in the public domain.

G. Entertainers must stop performing at 8:45pm to start cleaning up, ensuring that the road will be cleared by 9:30pm.

8. MEDIA (RADIO, TELEVISION, NEWSPAPER)

Cooperation between TNP and the local media is encouraged to promote TNP. Media organizations may apply to participate during TNP and observe the guidelines listed below.

• No amplified music unless authorized by the TNP Committee.
• All giveaways (non-adhesive material only) must be pre-approved by the Committee.No adhesive materials of any kind will be allowed.
• Promotion/Advertising shall be for the applicant only, not for special events or non member businesses.
• Fees could possibly be waived in exchange for advertising. This would have to be arranged with the TNP coordinator prior to booking.

9. APPLICATIONS, PERMITS, SPACE ALLOCATION

A. Those wishing to participate in TNP must submit an application must three (3) weeks prior to the desired attendance date. Cal Poly clubs must initiate an e-plan through the ASI Business Office. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the Downtown Association office regarding the status of their application. Upon approval by the Committee, staff will assign a specific space or location and issue a permit reflecting the space allocation. The space will not be considered reserved until the appropriate fees are paid.

B. The person in charge of any activity must be in possession of a valid permit at all times. The permit is to be conspicuously displayed during operation.

C. All approved applicants will receive a space assignment only if the fee(s) are paid. The space corresponds to a street address.

PARTICIPANTS MUST STAY WITHIN THEIR ASSIGNED SPACE AND OUT OF FIRE LANES AT ALL TIMES.

It is the participant’s responsibility to be aware of the fire lanes, as specified by the TNP Coordinator.

D. The TNP Coordinator has the authority to assign or to reassign spaces. Participants are not guaranteed space in the location of their choice. Vendors are limited to one assigned space per event unless authorized by the Committee. Tardy vendors (vendors showing up after 6:00pm) may have their space reassigned because of space availability.

E. Spaces not to exceed the following dimensions:

• Direct Sales - Member 10’ x 10’
• Member Food 10’ x 12’
• Barbecue fees based on square footage used, booth not to exceed 15’ in depth
• Direct Sales -Not-for-Profit 10’ x 10’
• Informational 10’ x 10’
• Non-competing/Volunteer member 10’ x 10’
• Media 10’ x10’

F. Vendors must keep all items in their assigned booth space and cannot use City property (trees, parking meters, etc.) to hang signage or any other materials.

10. APPROVALS OR DENIAL OF TNP APPLICATIONS

A. Under the Street Closure or other relevant permits issued by the City of San Luis Obispo, the Downtown Association and the TNP Committee have full discretion concerning use of the area designated for TNP. Applications submitted will be reviewed by the TNP committee for approval or denial based on Event criteria. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the Downtown Association office for this determination. If an application is denied, the basis for denial shall be given upon request.

B. If an application is denied, and the applicants disagrees with the basis for denial, an appeal may be made by applicant, first to the TNP Committee, then to the Downtown Association Board of Directors and, if necessary, to the San Luis Obispo City Council.

11. STREET CLOSURE

The City of San Luis Obispo Public Works crew begins barricading the streets at approximately 5:30 p.m. Approved participants may begin setting up as soon as the barricade truck has left the area. Support vehicles must be unloaded and off the street by6:00 P.M. Vehicles left inside the barricaded area after 6:00pm are subject to towing at the owner’s expense. All activities end at 9:00 p.m. and participants must clear their area entirely before 9:30 p.m. at which time barricades are removed and traffic flow resumes. A presence of the permittee must be maintained in the space assigned until 9:00 p.m.

No early take downs are allowed. Under no circumstance are vehicles allowed to enter the barricaded area during Market hours, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Even in the circumstance of rain.

The following guidelines, given to all participants for set up and take down, state (in part):

• TNP Officially begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm. Higuera St. is barricaded from all side entries and at both ends approximately at 5:30pm, at which time vendors may begin setting up.- Do NOT stop vehicles or begin set up in booth space until after 5:30pm.
• Do NOT block the center lane of Higuera St. at any time; pull to the side lane and unload your vehicle.
• NO VEHICLES (EXCEPT THOSE USED FOR OCCASIONAL DISPLAY PURPOSES & NOT DRIVEN) ALLOWED ON HIGUERA ST. BETWEEN 6-9PM. If vendor is running late or must leave early, all equipment must be carried in/out.
• Drivers must exercise extreme caution and drive slowly during the 5:30-6:00pm set up and 9:00-9:30pm take down. Drivers must heed all directions issued by TNP Coordinator regarding safety.

12. RAIN POLICY

In the instance of rain, the TNP Committee will decide whether or not to cancel TNP by3:00pm. It is the participant’s responsibility to contact the Downtown Association to find out the status of TNP. If a participant chooses to not participate due to the weather, this will not be counted against the participant. If the TNP Committee chooses to cancel TNP, a rain credit will be given to participants signed up for that night. No rain credits will be given unless the Committee has given the official call.

13. HEALTH, FIRE, AND POLICE REGULATIONS

While the Downtown Association is not an enforcement body for the Health, Fire and Police Departments, cooperation with these agencies is essential. Participants shall be aware of code requirements and comply. Only “people” events will be permitted in the fire lanes. No tables, risers, or any other equipment will be allowed. Specific questions regarding the codes should be directed to the appropriate agency.

14. EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

The Downtown Association is under no obligation to provide power, water, or any equipment to participants. An applicant needing specific services must make these needs known in the application. The Downtown Association’s only obligation is to provide a space on the street. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all necessary equipment for operation of his/her booth. Power cords, when used, must be taped down and conform to City requirements. Generators may not be used.

15. FEES

Participation in TNP is a privilege for both businesses and Not-For-Profit organizations.Since there are substantial costs (such as janitorial, trash removal, street closure and insurance) involved with sponsoring these weekly events, the Downtown Association has established permit fees in the following categories:

• Member barbecue vendors
• Member food/restaurant vendors
• Direct Sales - Member
• Not-For-Profit groups
• Information/Political/Cal Poly groups
• Entertainment
• Media
• Commercial Displays - Non-Competing Business
• Non-Member vendors

A fee schedule, subject to annual review, is available in the Downtown Association office. There will be no refunds or credits unless TNP is officially canceled due to rain.

FEES FOR PERMITS MUST BE PAID WHEN THE PERMIT IS ISSUED.

THE PERMIT MUST BE DISPLAYED DURING THE EVENT.

16. FOOD VENDORS INCLUDING BARBECUERS

Within the current boundaries of TNP (Higuera Street between Nipomo and Osos streets), there shall be no more than nine (9) barbecues, each with a reserved space assigned. In addition to the TNP rules, all barbecues are subject to Health and Fire Department regulations. In order to retain the reserved space, all food vendors must adhere to the following rules that apply:

A. All food vendors must have a business and full service commercial kitchen within the Downtown Association boundaries.

B. Food items should be the same type as are sold on the daily menu at place of business unless otherwise authorized by the committee.

C. Barbecue operation must be kept within the space assigned.

D. Food vendors may begin setup no earlier than 5:30pm. Barbecues may be pulled onto the street no earlier than 4:00 p.m. Barbecues are not to be started in an assigned street space until after 4:00 p.m. and are not to extend into the street past the parking place marker. All barbecues must be set up in their assigned space prior to lighting the barbecue. No “live” or lit barbecues can be transported into or out of the TNP area.During lighting, the barbecue is to be surrounded by barriers set five (5) feet away to protect pedestrians from flames. (This may require temporary placement of barriers on sidewalk areas). Standard starter fluid or propane wands can be used to start barbecues.All vendors using open flame must operate in accordance with all fire code regulations.Each barbecue must have an approved fire extinguisher on site.

E. Areas assigned to barbecues that consist of on-street, regular metered parking spaces(a total of no more than 18 spaces (nine barbecues) may be posted “No Parking After 3pm” by the Downtown Association, complying with City of SLO requirement that such posting occur 24 hours in advance of the restricted time. Barbecue unit may not be brought into space until 4PM.

F. Barbecues must be surrounded by barriers set five (5) feet away and can be easily moved for emergency vehicle access.

G. Support vehicles must be moved away from the barbecue area by 6:00 p.m.

H. Food vendor areas must be kept neat and clean at all times. Each barbecue vendor must provide at least one 50-gallon container for refuse.

I. Permits may be revoked by the TNP committee for the following reasons: (The same rules for revocation apply to all members.)

1. Closure of business. (Exceptions may be made for renovations that do not exceed 60 days.)
2. Non-compliance with Downtown Association, City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department, or County of San Luis Obispo Health Department regulations.
3. Non-payment of prescribed fees within the designated time period.
4. Poor attendance.
5. Sale or transfer of business

J. Permits are subject to modification and revocation by the City Council at any time and are valid for the indicated permit period only.

K. A waiting list of members who wish to barbecue or use an LPG device is kept in the Downtown Association office. Any space that becomes available will be reserved for the member at the top of that list. To be placed on the waiting list, a member must file a TNP application and the member must show that they are qualified in all respects.

L. Barbecues and LPG users are required to participate every Thursday unless TNP is officially canceled due to weather. The Downtown Association office will notify barbecue participants on the status of TNP due to weather by 2:00 p.m. the day of TNP. Failure to participate will cause the permit to be reviewed by and possibly revoked the committee. Barbecues and LPG users are allowed one absence per quarter.M. Food vendors must present the Downtown Association a copy of their Health Department permit before they book a place.

17. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET ASSOCIATION, INC. (FARMERS’ MARKET)

The Farmers’ Market Association participates in TNP at the invitation of and under contract with the Downtown Association. The Farmers’ Market Association operates under State regulations and those set by its Board of Directors. Certain guidelines have been established by the Farmers’ Market and the Downtown Association addressing specific needs of TNP.

All people wishing to sell their agricultural products directly to the public must contact the Farmers’ Market Association, as the Downtown Association does not issue permits or space assignments for Farmers’ Market, and issues no variances to circumvent Farmers’ Market rules.

Call 544-9570 for information about the Farmers’ Market Association.

18. GENERAL RULES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

A. Any vendor, club, group, or persons participating in TNP must comply with all of the rules. Non-compliance, including offensive conduct, may result in immediate revocation of the permit. If a permit is revoked an appeal may be made, first to the TNP Committee,then to the Downtown Association Board of Directors, and finally to the San Luis Obispo City Council. During the appeal process a space will be held for the participant providing that all fees are paid.

B. The Committee reserves the right to revoke the permit and/or order the removal of all equipment and material (belonging to a participant) from the street for any reason deemed necessary by the Committee to better meet the goals and purposes of TNP or for public health, safety and welfare.

C. All participants must conspicuously display the name and location of their business or organization on a sign with the minimum size being approximately 400 sq. inches (14” x30”). Merchants’ show windows may not be obscured at any time by boards, banners or other large displays.

D. Lighting on booths should be used for illumination of the booth and display purposes only. Strobing, flashing and/or rotating lights are not permitted. All lighting must be battery or electric only. The Downtown Association does not guarantee electricity. It is the participant’s responsibility to solicit electricity from the businesses they are in front of. Electricity can be purchased from the Downtown Association on a first come, first served basis. Arrangements must be made at least one week prior to attendance date.

E. No person shall deface or otherwise abuse the Downtown buildings or plants including stickers, paint or graffiti.

F. Amplification is NOT allowed without previous written approval from the TNP Committee.

G. All applications for TNP must contain name, address, phone number, and signature of applicant or applicant’s authorized agent. This person must be the contact person. The applicant shall acknowledge the participant’s liability for damages (including costs for clean-up and damages to property belonging to merchants or tenants). Participants are responsible for contacting the Downtown Association if there is a contact person change or address change.

H. Members must participate once space is allocated to maintain validity of permit. Non use may result in that space is reassigned. Members must have a valid permit for each date of attendance; members not participating on a pre-paid continuous basis must secure a valid permit for each date of attendance by coming to the Downtown Association office and paying the required fee prior to date of attendance.Members not participating for 90 days or more must submit a new application.

I. If food items are to be sold, members MUST apply to, and have the necessary written approval from the SLO County Health Department prior to receiving a TNP permit.

J. Permits may be revoked for the following reasons (The same rules of revocation apply to all participants):

1. Closure of business (Exceptions may be made for businesses undergoing renovations that do not exceed 60days.)
2. Non-compliance with Downtown Association, City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department or County Health Department regulations.
3. Non-payment of prescribed fees within the designated time period.
4. Poor attendance. Vendors may miss no more than one night per quarter, due to emergency.
5. Sale or transfer of business

Appeal of TNP Committee determination shall be made in accordance with “Appeal Process” in General Rules.

K. Businesses who have not applied for and received a permit for TNP will not be allowed to participate in TNP and are subject to removal.

L. TNP participants must have proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and workers compensation insurance for all employees participating in TNP. Participants are required to have their insurance carrier notify the Downtown Association staff in writing of their insurance status. Further, only business owners or immediate family member may operate vendor booths without providing proof of workers compensation coverage; if family members are working the booth, a letter must be on file with the Downtown Association indicating this intention. All other workers are assumed to be employees and must be covered by workers compensation and proof of such will be provided to the Downtown Association prior to approval of application.

M. The Downtown Association, the TNP Committee, its agents or staff is not responsible for theft or damages to property belonging to persons participating in TNP. The Downtown Association assumes no responsibility for items left unattended during or at the conclusion of TNP.

N. No person participating in TNP shall state, imply or otherwise suggest that the Downtown Association, or any of its member businesses endorses, sponsors or supports the views of applicant’s business or organization.

O. Alcoholic beverages or affiliated promotional products may not be sold, consumed,promoted or advertised during TNP.

P. Tobacco products and merchandise may not be sold, promoted or advertised during TNP.

Q. Tattooing, permanent cosmetics and body piercing may not be performed or administered during TNP. Body piercing does not include piercing the leading edge or earlobe of the ear.

R. The Committee reserves the right to refuse participation to any applicant.

S. The Committee will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color,gender, political beliefs, national origin, age or physical disability or any basis prohibited by law.

T. Participants in TNP shall be appropriately dressed (e.g. shirts and shoes), and conduct themselves with proper decorum.

U. The committee reserves the right to limit sales of items that are in direct competition with those items of Downtown merchants.

V. Permits may be revoked for the following reasons (The same rules for revocation apply to all members.):

1. Sale or transfer of business.
2. Closure of business. (Exceptions may be made for renovations that do not exceed 60 days.)
3. Non-compliance with Downtown Association, City of San Luis Obispo or County of San Luis Obispo Health Department regulations.
4. Non-payment of prescribed fees within the designated time period.
5. Poor attendance.

W. Appeal Process for Permit Revocation

Any participant or applicant denied a permit or whose permit is revoked may appeal the denial/revocation in the following manner:

File formal complaint within 10 (ten) days of the denial/revocation (obtaining complaint form from Downtown Association office) stating nature of complaint and requesting appeal to be agendized at the next earliest or desired meeting date of the Thursday Night Promotions Committee.

If complainant disagrees with determination of Committee, complainant may then repeat the procedure appealing that decision to the Downtown Association Board of Directors.Should the complainant disagree with the determination of the Board of Directors, the complainant should contact the City of San Luis Obispo City Clerk about appealing the decision to the City Council.

X. All giveaways (non-adhesive material only) must be pre-approved by the Committee.No stickers or adhesive materials of any kind will be permitted to be sold, distributed,given away or offered.

Y. No pets/animals are allowed at TNP without pre-approved authorization and only in limited and controlled circumstances. Animals utilized to assist disabled persons are accepted.

PLEASE OBTAIN YOUR PERMIT FROM THE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION OFFICE PRIOR TO THE THURSDAY NIGHT YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE

The office is located at:

1108 Garden Street, Suite 210
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
http://www.downtownslo.com

Rules & Regulations updated 6-01-06 by Kristin Dennis, Promotions Coordinator Approved by TNP Committee 6-07-06