A small business owner in Winnipeg says a requirement for a grease trap has trapped him in a pricey battle with the city.

Bill Fugler, who owns the Neighbourhood Bookstore and Cafe in Wolseley, said he doesn't understand why he is required to have the special trap — which connects to the sink — when some similar businesses get exemptions.

"I am really at a complete loss," he said.

A city bylaw requires any establishment serving food install a grease trap. Fugler said the trap would cost $3,000 to $5,000 because he would have to tear out a wall and put it under the floor.

City officials declined to talk about specifics of the case because it's before the courts, but stated that grease poses a problem because it doesn't dissolve in water. That can cause blockages in the property owner's sewer pipe and in city sewers, even causing backups in neighbouring basements.

However, 12 food-related businesses received exemptions from the city bylaw, according to a freedom of information request from Fugler's lawyer which was supplied to CBC.

Some restaurants like Gimli Fish, Chez-Nous, Smoothie Bar at the Forks, and Concordia Place, are given exemptions because there is no frying or grilling on site, meaning no excessive grease will end up in the sewer.

For others on the list, like Little Caesar's and Empress of China, it's allowed because their waste goes to a privately-operated sewage lift station.

According to Fugler, the cafe, which serves sandwiches and desserts, doesn't need the trap because it doesn't produce grease.

City officials, however, say a grease trap "not only collects grease, it removes fats and oils," such as those from butter, shortening and mayonnaise, as well as from salad dressing and grease from baking or cooking.

The city requires a grease trap at the Neighbourhood Bookstore and Cafe in Wolseley, the owner says. (Google Maps)

Fugler said the disagreement with the city started in 2010. He said with fines, court costs, and the money to install the trap, he's currently looking at a $12,500 bill.

Although not as much as the $50,000 fine and six months in jail, Fugler said he was originally threatened with, the hefty price tag could close his business.

He began fighting the fines in court and will be back in front of the judge in August.

"I wake up every morning and I think about this," he said.

"We still have lots of people sitting around having coffee and chatting. It's funny because people used to say 'how are you?' And now they say 'how's the grease trap?'"

The city did offer to consider an exemption to the grease trap law if Fugler switched to disposable plates and cups. Fugler said that's not an option.

More exemption requests have been submitted, Fugler said, but the city has not looked at them because they say it has already been rejected.