Belize City Council faces legal threat over Jun’s Meat Shop lockout

The owners of Jun’s Meat Shop, Aaron and Miguel Castillo, are challenging the Belize City Council following the sudden lockout of their business at the Finnegan Market. The business was removed from its booth at West Collet Canal on August 20 after the Council issued a Stop Order on August 18.

Legal representative Orson Elrington has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Council to restore the booth or face court action. Elrington argues the eviction was unlawful because it was conducted without a court order and violated an existing Consent Judgment. According to the agreement dated July 8, the shop was scheduled to pay $6,570 for the 2026/2027 trade year through a series of installments, with the next payment not due until August 30.

Aaron Castillo, who has operated at the market for over 20 years, expressed significant distress over the sudden closure, stating he had receipts for recent payments and was attempting to settle outstanding trade license fees through an agreed-upon arrangement.