AFC Honor Code FAQ's
Here are some answers to common questions asked about the AFC® Honor Code. If you'd like an answer to a question you don't see here, you can e-mail honorcode@afce.com and we'll be sure to get back to you.
Q: How can I report a suspected or actual violation?
A: By calling the AFC Honor Line at 1.800.245.1491
Q: Are there other ways to report an actual or suspected violation?
A: There are several other ways to report an actual or suspected violation:
By mail:
Peter Ward, Esq.
AFC Enterprises, Inc.
Office of General Counsel
5555 Glenridge Connector
Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30342
By email:
honorcode@afce.com
or by using the AFC Honor Code on-line contact form.
Q: What are the operating hours for the AFC Honor Line (1.800.245.1491)?
A: The AFC Honor Line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by an agency not affiliated with AFC.
Q: Is there caller ID on the 1.800.245.1491?
A: No. AFC does not track the phone number of callers to the AFC Honor Line. Also, by special arrangement, the origin of calls to the Honor Line does not appear on any phone bills received by AFC. So anyone who wishes to remain anonymous may do so without concern that the phone number they called from will be known by AFC.
Q: Are AFC Honor Line calls taped?
A: No. None of the calls received through the AFC Honor Line are taped or otherwise recorded.
Q: When I call the AFC Honor Line to report an actual or suspected violation, what information will I be asked to provide?
A: To facilitate a thorough investigation, it is necessary to know the business division or the restaurant location where the actual or suspected violation occurred along with other pertinent details such as who, what, when, where and how.
Q: Can I remain anonymous and still keep track of the status of my call to the AFC Honor Line?
A: Yes, you will be assigned a case number so you may call back to inquire on the status of your report.
Q: How long does it take for me to receive an update?
A: Depending on the nature of the report, an update may take anywhere from a few hours to several months.
Q: What happens when an employee or other person contacts the AFC Honor Line?
A: If you have a question or need clarification on a matter, you will usually receive an immediate answer, but no more than two business days after your initial contact. If you are calling or writing to report what you believe to be misconduct, a case file will be created and the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
When you contact the Office of General Counsel or the AFC Compliance Officer, you will be treated with dignity and respect and your communication will be protected to the greatest extent possible.
Your concerns will be taken seriously and to the extent possible, you will be informed of the outcome, if possible.
Anyone who tries to stop you from contacting the AFC Honor Line is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Q: What do I do if my supervisor ignores my complaint or starts to make things difficult for me after I complain?
A: If the first person you approach under the Honor Code process is unresponsive or retaliates against you, proceed immediately to the next level of management in your area. If for any reason you believe your complaint is not being adequately addressed, you should immediately contact the AFC Honor Line at 1.800.245.1491 or the AFC Office of General Counsel at 1.866.AFC.4410 (232.4410) extension 4645.
Q: What typically happens if, as a result of a report, an allegation is substantiated?
A: Action taken as a result of a substantiated case varies depending on the type of case and the severity of the complaint. Termination of employment, suspension, written or oral reprimands and counseling are among actions typically taken as a result. Sanctions are often accompanied by other corrective actions including training, accounting adjustments, reassignment or reorganization and policy revisions.
Q: What should I do if someone asks me to do something I think violates the Honor Code, AFC policy or is illegal?
A: Don't do it. No matter who asks you to do something, if you know it is wrong, you must refuse to do it. If you believe someone has asked you to do something inappropriate, you must also report the request to a level of management above your supervisor or to the Honor Line.
AFC will not tolerate any retaliation or harassment of any AFC employee who in good faith reports an actual or suspected violation or the policies and laws discussed in this Honor Code.
Q: How can I determine if information is to be considered "proprietary" if it does not bear a proprietary legend?
A: You should attempt to contact the person that generated the information. It is the responsibility of that person to determine the appropriate restrictive legend. If that person cannot be located, then you should base your decision as to the appropriate legend based on the following criteria:
- The nature of the information
- The sensitivity of the information
- The value to the Corporation
- The recipient of the information: employees, contractors, suppliers, potential clients or the public
If after such an analysis you remain uncertain as to whether or not the information is proprietary, speak to you supervisor or AFC's Office of General Counsel.
Q: I realize that I can't buy AFC stock based on inside information, but can I advise a family member or friend to do so?
A: No. You would be violating insider-trading laws, just as if you were buying stock yourself. Both you and the person you advised would be violating the law.