The owner of a Montreal business is asking for a tax break because of ongoing construction in front of his store.

Construction started on McTavish St. in June and will continue until next summer as the city works on the Mount Royal to the waterfront walkway.

But Jonathan Taylor, owner of Liquid Nutrition, said that he has had to endure construction on McTavish St. every year since he opened.

He said it's been tough to let his business thrive.

"You cut staff, you have less products on hand. We still make sure that we serve all of our clients properly and we have everything that we need onhand, but you've just got to grin and bear it," said Taylor, standing outside his store while speaking over the din of hammering.

Earlier this summer Projet Montreal proposed a tax break for merchants in construction zones, but that motion was voted down by city council.

Mayor Denis Coderre has said the city is not interested in providing tax breaks for store owners.

Instead he said Montreal will examine giving grants to business owners willing to renovate their establishments, and possibly funding businesses to advertise and encourage clients to return when roadwork ends.