James William Awad, known for organizing a
controversial party on a Sunwing flightand his business partner Sarah Anton were found guilty of operating a gym in Montreal without having the necessary permits.
• Also read: A year later, James Awad no longer wanted to party on a Sunwing flight
• Also read: The party on the plane and in Mexico costs her her job
“The Office accused them of carrying out health studio activities in the Astrofit Gym RDP between December 2021 and March 2022 without having the authorization required by law,” the Office of Consumer Protection announced this week (OPC).
Sarah Anton, the sports club’s president at the time, was fined $3,000 in this case.
Sarah Anton, TripleOne employee and President of Astrofit Gym RDP. TripleOne / Instagram
James William Awad, owner of Astrofit Gym RDP on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard East, must pay $6,000 for the offense.
James William Awad during a press conference. Montreal, January 27, 2022. PIERRE-PAUL POULIN/LE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL/AGENCE QMI. Pierre-Paul Poulin / JdeM
Awad “not aware”
Mr. Awad confirmed to the Journal on Wednesday that he was “unaware” that he had been found guilty by the OPC.
“To be honest, I’m not in healthcare. “I deal with technology and music,” defended the man at the head of the TripleOne company. He assures that his gym now has the necessary permission to operate.
James William Awad is also known by his stage name “Senior”. Martin Alarie / JdeM
Sarah Anton was rather stingy about the fine she has to pay.
“We have received our health studio permit and provided the necessary guarantee to the OPC,” assures Ms. Anton, without specifying whether she is still working with Awad.
Not her first controversy
In January 2022, Le Journal also revealed that the Astrofit Gym Laval remained open despite health regulations at the time prohibiting it.
On site, during a surprise visit, our team discovered Sarah Anton training with another person while all training rooms in Quebec were closed due to the pandemic.
Let us also recall that James William Awad returned to the news in March 2023. His pizzeria in Bois-des-Filion, on Montreal’s north shore, was the target of an arson attack.
James William Awad’s Crusy Crust pizzeria on Boulevard Adolphe-Chapleau in Bois-des-Filion was the target of an arson attack shortly after midnight on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Pascal Girard / QMI Agency
“The only thing that matters to me is that no surrounding businesses were damaged and no one was injured. For the rest, we’ll get over it,” the businessman said via text message.
Why is this permit mandatory for gyms?
▶ “The dealer operating a health studio must have a permit issued by the department and provide a deposit of $20,000 for each of his establishments. “This guarantee serves to ensure compliance with the law and can be used to compensate consumers in the event of a business closure,” explains the OPC.
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.