The owner of a small cafe in Winnipeg is collecting thousands of signatures to support his fight against the city; one that broke out over a grease trap.

Bill Fugler, owner of the Neighbourhood Bookstore and Cafe in Wolseley, could be fined $50,000 and forced to spend six months behind bars because his business doesn't have the special trap, which connects to the sink.

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

But he's been told the city is concerned about mayonnaise and fats from desserts being washed down the drain.

Throughout Winnipeg, there is a city bylaw that requires any establishment serving food to have a grease trap. Getting one would cost Fugler $3,000 to $5,000 — a move he says could put him out of business because he only pulls in about $3,000 a week in the slower months of January, February and March.

"In the job it says, you know, every place that produces any amount of food has to have a grease trap. And I understand that. But I don't think the city really wants to put 10 people out of work and close us down," Fugler said.

"And I can't understand why the city isn't saying 'here's how we can help you, here's what we can do.'"

The city did, in fact, offer an exception to the grease trap law for Fugler: Switch to disposable plates and cups and he wouldn't need one.

Fugler says that's not an option.

"I would like the city to grant me a waiver. I would like them to save the thousands of dollars, which they've spent on prosecuting me and pursuing me in this case," Fugler said.

According to Fugler, the disagreement with the city started in 2010. He is scheduled to make a court appearance on Feb. 12.

What would he like to see happen?

"Just check every six months," he said, referring to the City of Winnipeg.

"If we start using grease, if we start producing grease, then we'll gladly install it."