A Stratford restaurant owner says he's opposed to a town ordinance going into effect next week that requires him to buy a defibrillator.

Michael Savoy, who owns Stellas Restaurant on Main Street, says he can't afford to buy a defibrillator, which retails for about $1,000. Savoy says he's been forced to make cutbacks at the restaurant recently and can ill afford another expense.

Savoy also adds that he and his staff are apprehensive about using a defibrillator.

"I don't know ? if somebody is having a heart attack, if a waitress or somebody at that time can handle something like that," he says.

Having defibrillators throughout Stratford is a cause that's been championed by Mayor Jim Miron. He says the town is offering free training to ease the transition for local businesses.