Buffalo ensures food license applications are correct before approval

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo lawmakers have many agenda items to approve each week. Obtaining a grocery store license is frequently on the agenda.

University District Councilor Rasheed NC Wyatt said he makes it a point not to rubber-stamp applications filed in his district.

“Now if it’s just a matter of transferring the license to someone else, we’ll bring them in and we’ll have a conversation with them because I’m not going to blindly transfer it,” Wyatt said.

He makes it a point to meet the owner of the business.

“I have an annual license renewal meeting for all the licenses, the grocery store licensees. I renew it every year, at the same time for the most part, in most cases, when you see that a license is presented to the council at a specific location There may have been a sale of the property and this license will not transfer to the new owner.

For the most part, Wyatt says convenience store operators are doing the right thing.

“These stores are better managed and in some cases most are cleaner than some national chains. So I have respect for a lot of these stores now. Some have problems, but we can solve them,” he said. he declares. said. “We have Family Dollar and Dollar General and these stores don’t seem to heed any of the community feedback as far as cleanliness, food quality, customer service, even on the grounds around the establishment. That’s when I have a problem and in most cases the problems I have come from the big chains, not the moms and dads.”

There is a business on Bailey Avenue that operates without a license in his district.

“It’s open right now. Rounds and Bailey, go ahead and see this business is open without a license, without council member approval. First they were opened as a place to sell cannabis, and then they moved on. And in fact, this individual who owns this business, when the inspector was there to give him a cease and desist order, this individual who owns the business. destroyed. “

The city’s licensing and inspection commissioner told 2 On Your Side an inspector returned to the store, but couldn’t speak to anyone.