City Councillors, sitting as a Licensing Tribunal, decided they need to hire a professional translator before considering revocation of business licenses following allegations that a retailer sold vaping and tobacco products to underage minors.
They voted unanimously to postpone a hearing and reschedule to enable the City to hire a translator because the accused business owners are not fluent in English to a level appropriate for the seriousness of losing their ability to make a living operating a convenience store.
City of Hamilton licensing staff allege that Farooq Convenience Store and Food Mart Ltd. O/A Westdale Convenience sold restricted products to underage persons on January 10, 2023, March 28, 2023, April 28, 2023, January 22, 2024, March 12, 2024, and November 13, 2024.
The City also alleges the premises did not have food premises and tobacco sales licenses at various points in time while selling these products.
At Friday’s hearing, councillors on the Hamilton Licensing Tribunal heard from owner Farida Farooq’s son who stated they were representing their parents.
Councillors deemed the owners needed to be questioned during the hearing, and they would require translation services to ensure a fair and proper hearing.
“These hearings, can result in the loss of a business license, which would impact, your family and your employees,” stated Chair Brad Clark. “With that in mind … the City will get the translator here at the cost of the city.
“That’s to ensure that there is a procedurally fair hearing for all parties. We can’t risk, someone offering to translate without us being able to verify the level of competence for the translator.”
A rescheduled date will be announced in the future.
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Published: May 9, 2025
Last updated: May 9, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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