House Rules

GOVERNORS CLUB RULES AND REGULATIONS

These Rules and Regulations have been established to govern the use of the Facilities provided at the Governors Club and to promote the health, safety, welfare, and enjoyment of all persons using the Club Facilities.  Management of the Governors Club intends to limit these Rules and Regulations to the minimum required for the enjoyment of the Club Facilities by all members, designees, immediate family members, and their guests. The obligation of enforcing these Rules and Regulations for the good of all users is placed primarily in the hands of a trained staff whose principal responsibility is to assure members of all the courtesies, comforts, and services to which a member of the Governors Club is entitled.  It is always the responsibility of the membership to be familiar with these Rules and Regulations and to abide by them.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Governors Club is by invitation only.  Invitations are extended to prospective members by the Membership Committee or through the endorsement of two members in good standing. Upon approval by the Board of Governors and payment of the initiation fee in full, an individual member thereafter has full rights as a member.

• All memberships in the Governors Club are individual. There are no corporate or business memberships. Business associates, professional partners, or individuals who are otherwise related to or affiliated with an individual member do not have Club privileges.
• Junior Executive category members are members who are under 35 years of age and who have been extended an invitation to join the Club may pay their initiation fee over a period established by the Board of Governors.
• Legacy Members are the children and grandchildren of current members who are in good standing.  The first fifteen hundred dollars is waived from the initiation fee. 
• A member who resigned in good standing and wishes to rejoin the Club must pay one-half of the initiation fee.
• Inactive Status may be requested by members for health reasons and to those who move from the Tallahassee area for at least one year. Special circumstances shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. During the period of inactivity, neither the member nor spouse shall be permitted to use the Club or Reciprocal Clubs. A member who has been granted inactive status shall be permitted to resume active status upon approval from the Membership Office. A reinstatement fee may be required to return to active membership.
• A spouse or domestic partner of an individual member may always use the Club in the same manner as the named individual member subject to all provisions of the House Rules. If a member dies, the surviving spouse shall have no obligation for monthly dues for a period of six (6) months. After six (6) months, the surviving spouse shall determine whether to retain Club membership, resign from the Club, or be placed on inactive status.
• Children of a member may use the Club, but such privilege shall expire at age 25. Prior arrangements with the Club by a parent member will be required for Club use by children.
• A spouse may opt for a membership in the event of divorce upon application and approval.  A $250 fee is required to set up a separate account.
• In the event two Club members in good standing marry, they may designate that one membership be placed on inactive status. The inactive member’s Club privileges shall remain unchanged apart from the right to vote. Monthly membership dues shall not be due for the account placed on inactive status.
• The affairs of the Club are managed by a Board of Governors elected by the membership. The Board may fine, suspend, or expel members for willful infractions of the House Rules or the Bylaws, or any acts or conduct that it deems disorderly, injurious, or hostile to the best interests of the Club.

GENERAL CLUB RULES

• The days and hours of operation of all Club facilities and the services provided will be established by the Club Manager considering the season of the year and other circumstances.  Use of the Club facilities is only available during operating hours.  Facilities will be closed from time to time for maintenance, repairs, and other purposes deemed appropriate.
• Members, designees, immediate family members, and their guests use the facilities provided at the Club at their own risk.
• Members, designees, immediate family members, and their guests must abide by all rules established by the Club as they may be amended from time to time, and members and designees are responsible for ensuring that their immediate family members and guests comply with all rules of the Club.
• Reciprocal guests and non-sponsored guests will incur a $20 per visit guest usage fee.
• No member designee, group of members, and/or designees acting in concert shall allow the same guest to frequently use the Club Facilities as a substitute for membership.  All guests must be accompanied by a member of the Club; however, by prior arrangement with the Club, a member may request that a guest use the Club facilities without the member being present, no more than twice in a calendar quarter.  All guests’ charges will be billed to the member’s account unless arrangements are made in advance for the guest to use a credit card.
• Proper attire, decorum, and consideration of the comfort of others must be observed at all times.
• Members, designees, and immediate family members are not allowed in any service or restricted areas of the Club Facilities without the approval of the Club Manager.
• Dogs and other pets, except for service animals, are not permitted in the Club facilities without the prior approval of the Club Manager.  If permitted in the Club Facilities, such dogs or other pets must always remain on a leash.  Members and designees are responsible for any damage caused by a dog or other pet owned by the member or designee or under the member’s or designee’s control.
• All food and beverage consumed in the Club must be purchased at the Club and outside catering is not permitted unless otherwise permitted in writing by the Club Manager.  Employees are not permitted to deliver food or beverages of any kind to locations away from the immediate area where sold unless permitted by the Club Manager.
• Members, designees, immediate family members, and their guests may not supervise, give direction to, reprimand or abuse any of the Club’s employees, verbally or otherwise.  Verbal or physical abuse or harassment of employees will not be tolerated.  All employees of the Club are under the supervision of the Club Manager and no member, designee, immediate family member, or guest shall reprimand or discipline any employee, request an employee to perform personal tasks while on duty at the Club, send any employee off Club property for any reason or request the personal use of the Club’s furnishings or equipment which are not ordinarily available for use by members.  Any employee not rendering courteous and prompt service should be reported to the Club Manager immediately.  All such reports will be given prompt attention.
• Advertisements in any form, and solicitation of any kind, are prohibited on the Club Facilities and shall not be posted or circulated on Club property without the prior written approval of the Club Manager.
• Petitions may be originated, solicited, circulated, or posted on the Club property only with the prior written approval of the Club Manager.
• There shall be no solicitation in the name of, or on behalf of, the Club nor shall the name or logo of the Club be used for any purpose, without the prior written approval of the Club Manager.
• Loud or offensive language is not tolerated at any time.
• No firearms or other weapons of any kind are permitted on the Club property at any time unless carried by Law Enforcement Personnel in the line of duty.
• To facilitate the proper management of the Club, all complaints, criticisms, or suggestions relating to the operation of the Club must be addressed to the Club Manager.
• Unauthorized release of the Club’s membership roster by a member is a serious breach of Club policy.  Violations will be reviewed by the Board of Governors and may result in the suspension or termination of membership or other appropriate disciplinary action.
• Absolutely no fireworks are permitted anywhere on Club property unless part of a fireworks exhibit organized and conducted by the Club.
• No performance by entertainers is permitted on Club property unless approved by the Club Manager.
• Use of any portion of the Club facilities may be restricted or reserved by the Club and not available for use by members.

ATTIRE

• Appropriate dress in good taste is always required for Members and their guests. At a minimum, members must adhere to business, smart, or resort casual attire unless otherwise stated by the Club.
• The Governors Club’s dress code exists to promote a comfortable environment befitting a business club where members entertain socially and professionally. The dress code is in keeping with the spirit of the Club and best serves the majority of its members. Members are responsible for ensuring their guests are aware of the dress code.

RESERVATIONS

• Reservations are strongly encouraged and should be made whenever possible. Reservations help management ensure the proper staffing necessary to maintain service levels. 
• Reservations will be held for 15 minutes past the appointed time and then released if the Member has not arrived or called to reaffirm and extend the reservation.

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS

• Reservations for private dining functions can be arranged through the Club’s Sales and Events office and require confirmation through a signed contract.
• Food and Beverage selections must be made following the Club’s banquet policies.  
• Members using a private room will be charged a room rental fee.

SMOKING POLICY

• Smoking in the Club is prohibited.
• Smoking is allowed on the Balcony, the Patio, and the Lounge.
• Smoking is only permitted in the Lounge after 7 p.m.

CELLULAR PHONES

• Cell phones should be placed on vibrate or on silent when in the Club.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

• The Club management reserves the right to deny service of alcoholic beverages to any person at any time.
• No employee of the Club, any member, or a guest of a member shall cause to be served to any person under the legal drinking age, any alcoholic beverages. Members permitting or allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons in the Club may be subject to termination of service, asked to leave as well as possible discipline by the Board of Governors. Such penalties shall include, but not be limited to, the assessment on a monthly bill of any fines or penalties imposed by a state, county, or city authority in case of such violations.
• All persons being served alcoholic beverages whether they are a member or the guest of a member shall have appropriate identification which indicates that they are of the legal drinking age. All employees are permitted to request identification of any person.
• Alcoholic Beverages may only be removed from the Club if they are sealed in advance by the restaurant or bar staff, have the receipt of purchase attached to the beverage, are placed in a bag or container that is sealed in such a manner as to make tampering obvious, and must be put either in a locked gloved box, container, trunk or – in the case of vehicles without a trunk- behind the last upright seat of the vehicle.
• The manager or person in charge at the time of any incident may take any reasonable measures necessary to ensure full compliance with the beverage laws of this state, and the membership acknowledges that protecting a valuable license to serve alcoholic beverages as a convenience and service to the Club members is of utmost importance.

CHARGES

·       A service charge, as established by the Board of Governors, shall be added to all food and beverage items.

• All restaurant and bar checks shall be signed with the member’s signature and membership number.
• No cash shall be received in payment of any checks.

PARKING

·       Valet parking is provided as a service to the members through an independent contractor and is available during normal Club hours of operation, or as otherwise determined by the Club’s management.

·       The Club assumes no responsibility for articles left in cars turned over to attendants, or for any damage to a vehicle while in the custody or control of the parking contractor.

PUBLICITY AND NEWS MEDIA

·       The Club’s quarters and premises shall not be used for a public function without prior written Board approval. Functions held at the Governors Club must be by personal invitation only. Ticket sales or solicitation for ticket sales for an event held at the Club are not allowed and will result in the cancellation of the function.

·       Members of the press shall only be permitted in the specific location of a private event.  The host member is responsible for ensuring that the members of the press do not access other areas of the Club or infringe on the privacy of other members.

·       Use of photographic and recording equipment is permitted in private dining rooms within the bounds of good taste and in a manner that does not disturb other guests. Prior approval for the use of such equipment is required from Management.

·       Club Members shall not generate publicity about the Club unless specifically authorized by the Board.

·       The manager and staff are expressly forbidden to disclose to any nonmember, directly or indirectly, the identity of any member of the Club unless authorized by the Board.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

·       Each member will be billed by the administrative office of the Governors Club, no later than the first working day of each month.

·       Each member will be sent a billing statement for any unpaid balance thirty days after the first billing date. A finance charge of 1.5% will be added to the amount carried over from the previous statement.

·       When the past due portion, including finance charges, has not been paid by the 53rd day following the first billing date, the member is considered financially delinquent. The Club shall notify the member by certified mail that Club privileges will be suspended unless full payment of the member’s account is received or postmarked within 7 days of notification. Any such suspension shall last until the account is paid in full.

·       Seven days before the 90th day the account has remained unpaid, a certified letter from the Club’s General Manager/Chief Operating Officer will notify the member that suspension from the Club will result if payment of the total balance is not postmarked by the 90th day.

·       Members may pay with a credit card at the point of sale or monthly. The Board may require payment by credit card for members who are frequently delinquent.

• Any member who has had their membership suspended or revoked as a result of disciplinary action including financial delinquency, may be reinstated upon payment of any outstanding debts and payment of the current initiation fee with approval of the Board.
• Any member that has been reinstated after suspension or revocation as a result of financial delinquency may be subject to permanent revocation if their account becomes more than 60 days past due.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

·       In keeping with the Club’s commitment to providing a work environment free of discrimination, the Club maintains a strict policy prohibiting harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment.  This policy applies to all Club Members as well as employees. Furthermore, it prohibits harassment and discrimination in any form, including verbal and physical. 

·       Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, making unwanted sexual advances and requests for sexual favors where either (1) submission to such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (2) such conduct has the propose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.

·       Employees who violate this policy are subject to discipline, including, but not limited to suspension or termination. 

·       Club Members who violate this policy are subject to expulsion from the Club, or such other action as the Board deems appropriate.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

·       Membership privileges and/or use privileges of any member, designee, immediate family member, or guest may be suspended or terminated by the Board and other disciplinary action may be taken as deemed appropriate by the Board, including but not limited to, the imposition of a fine, if, in the sole judgment of the Board, the member, designee, immediate family member, or guest:

o   Submits false information on the Application for Membership Privileges or Application for Use Privileges, which if had been truthfully disclosed, would have rendered the applicant ineligible for membership/use privileges;

o   Permits the unauthorized use of a member’s or designee’s membership/use card or account;

o   Exhibits unsatisfactory behavior, deportment or appearance or acts in any other manner determined by the Board not to be in the best interest of the Club or its members;

o   Fails to pay the membership fee, club fees, or any other amount owed to the Club in a proper and timely manner or habitually fails to pay the club fees or any other amount owed to the Club in a proper and timely manner;

o   Fails to abide by these Rules and Regulations established for use of the Club Facilities;

o   Treats the personnel or employees of the Club in an unreasonable or abusive manner including sexual harassment or;

o   Engages in conduct that is improper or likely to endanger the welfare, safety, harmony, or reputation of the Club or its members.

·      The Club has determined that the following process relating to suspending or terminating membership or use privileges at the Club is fair and reasonable and shall be carried out in good faith.  The member, designee, immediate family member, or guest shall be notified of any proposed disciplinary action and shall be given an opportunity to be heard by the Club (either in writing or in person) to show cause why the individual should not be disciplined by these rules and Club By-Laws.

·      A member or designee may also be subject to discipline for the actions of his/her immediate family members and guests.  If the individual desires to be heard, they must provide a written request for a hearing to the Club Manager.  The hearing shall be held before such individuals (who may or may not be members of the Club) as may be designated by the Board.

Management personnel of the Club have full authority to enforce these Rules and Regulations; any infractions will be reported to the Club Manager and, where appropriate, the Club Board.

The Club reserves the right to amend these Rules and Regulations as it deems appropriate from time to time.  All amendments to these Rules and Regulations shall be approved by the Board of Governors in advance and will be effective when mailed to members.