New bylaw could force some Halifax convenience stores to close earlier
At Michael Habib's Jubilee Junction Convenience Store in Halifax, he likes to put the emphasis on the word "convenience."
“We are open from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m.," said Habib. "On the weekends it extends until about 2:30 a.m.”
University students come to the intersection of Jubilee Road and Preston Street in large numbers on weekend nights.
At the AAA Convenience store across the street, owner John Amyoony sells a lot of pizza on weekends between midnight and 3 a.m.
“I say around 800,” said Amyoony.
Dakota McCormick is a regular AAA customer.
“I come through here late, like at 11 or 12 at night," said McCormick. "It’s one of the few places that are open that is a walkable distance.”
However, that convenience could change.
Halifax Regional Council recently approved the first reading of a new bylaw that would force some convenience stores to close at 11 p.m.
According to Coun. Waye Mason, it's in response to growing late night crowds at the intersection, especially at a recent unofficial university homecoming celebrations.
“More and more students, instead of going to Pizza Corner downtown, are migrating to this intersection in this residential neighbourhood,” said Mason.
Mason said convenience stores were never supposed to be allowed to serve hot food and be open late.
Habib called the bylaw unfair.
“This is not democratic in any way possible,” said Habib, who also pointed out students are only around for roughly seven months.
“We serve the community for 12 months of the year and as it gets colder, the students disappear, and they are not out," said Habib. "So, we are being punished 365 days.”
Neighbourhood resident Sophia Horwitz would like to see the city pursue an option that doesn’t punish business owners.
“I feel like there has got to be a better solution other than closing small businesses," said Horwitz.
Both Halifax stores have started petitions against the bylaw, with hundreds of signatures.
Mason said council will further debate the bylaw later in the fall.
“Because clearly people want more information and we are going to do that process,” said Mason.
If passed, Habib fears the new bylaw could destroy his business.
“They are actually killing my future,” said Habib.
And it could possibly crush Amyoony's bottom line.
“More than half," said Amyoony. "My sales will go down to half.”
The business owners say the change could threaten the overall viability of their businesses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.