Tours are not to exceed a capacity of 40 guests per guide. Chaperones attending school group tours for free can be considered staff and if so should be instructed on city ordinances regarding tour operation. To avoid issues with improper head counts it is suggested that staff members or chaperones accompanying guides be provided with a lanyard or some other identifier to indicate that they are not a guest.
Members agree to monitor the behavior of their guides to conform to local laws. This includes respecting sound levels, limits on how late tours can be conducted, being mindful and respectful of residential areas, and protecting public and private property. Tour owners are responsible for educating their guides and accompanying staff members on local laws.
Members agree that the protection of historic sites is of paramount importance. No guest or guide will litter or deface a historic site in any way.
All tour guides are to be instructed to contact the Salem Police Department if they or any tour guest are witness to a crime, including crimes against any person or property.
All tour guides will be instructed to make certain that no guide or guest will use lit candles or flame of any kind near historic sites, public property, residences, or businesses throughout the duration of their tours. LED candles and lanterns are completely acceptable and a good alternative.
Members and their guides will respect other tour companies’ research and the intellectual property rights of their tours, and will not copy their information or style of presentation.
Members and their staff will maintain sobriety and composure whilst interacting with patrons, before and during the tour. This includes all management, guides, and staff on duty for a tour.
Tours will not disrupt traffic (pedestrian or vehicular) under any circumstances.
Tours will not block entrances or trespass on the private property of any business or residence without express permission from the business or homeowner.
Members and their guides will respect the routes and meeting locations of other tours, as well as shop fronts. This includes giving space for other tours and non-tour guest pedestrians to pass by in tight locations, and maintaining a polite demeanor, regardless of personal feelings for other tours.
Guides are to be mindful of personal microphone volume at all times and keep it to the minimum level required. They are to be respectful of other tours, residential areas, and businesses when a mic is in use.
All tour guides must maintain a current City of Salem tour guide license and display it at all times during tours.
Members are not "pop up" tours that run for only the month of October, but run from at least Memorial Day through Halloween. Tour owners may set their seasonal schedule as they wish as long as this minimum requirement is adhered to.