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
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.