The owner of a Winnipeg grocery store says it's not fair he was fined for opening on Good Friday when marijuana stores and casinos were open, too.

Food Fare owner Munther Zeid says he was fined $10,000 for opening his Portage Ave. store on the holiday. He says he will now challenge the fine.

Manitoba has a law that prohibits retail and businesses from opening to the public on defined holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, there are exemptions that allow some businesses to open. That includes businesses with four or less staff working. Casinos and marijuana stores are also exempt.

The province says Food Fare was previously warned for operating in violation of the law on Labour Day in 2018 and was warned again ahead of Good Friday this year.

Zeid reportedly plans to start an online petition as well as having copies available at his five stores, beginning Wednesday.