public holidays.

They said bureaucracy was strangling Bermuda's bid for a competitive tourism industry.

And they argued stores should open when they like without public holiday and Sunday permits.

Leading the calls was Bermuda Chamber of Commerce president David Rowntree, who declared: "It's critical we sort this matter out now.

"It has to be done so that in the next tourism season we are up and running.'' President of Trimingham Brothers Eldon Trimingham agreed, saying: "We ought to be allowed to open when necessary.'' The appeal came as the West End Development Corporation announced Royal Naval Dockyard stores would be open on New Year's Day.

Wedco development manager Ed Williams said Dockyard shopkeepers were throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of Bermuda's retailers.

They were also answering a challenge from Tourism Minister David Dodwell, he said.

"The Minister of Tourism has challenged us all to approach our image as a visitor destination with renewed enthusiasm and creativity in the New Year.

"We are very pleased to receive the complete support of the Dockyard's commercial community in staying open on Wednesday when so many other places around the Island will be closed.

"It is an important event for us as it demonstrates that the Minister's words are bearing some fruit.'' Mr. Williams said Dockyard's 28 "visitor-orientated'' shops had already agreed to stay open an extra hour each day from April 1.

This would let visitors from the cruise ship and West End hotels to shop until 6 p.m.

There would also be some stores prepared to open between 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.

each day to attract early-bird shoppers, Mr. Williams added.

"We have had a wonderful Christmas in Dockyard and with this spirit of cooperation we hope to do even better next year.'' Mr. Rowntree backed the Dockyard initiative, saying: "The Chamber is supportive of anything that is going to create activities for visitors.

Shopping appeal "As far as I am concerned retailing should be allowed seven days a week if our visitors are down here seven days a week.

"I think we should do away with the need to apply for permits.'' Mr. Rowntree said annual permits cost $250.

"If we are serious about the tourism industry, the retailing industry should not be penalised.'' He added: "Hotels are open seven days a week and in the same way retailers should be allowed to cater to their customers.

"Now is the time we should be sitting around the table and looking at improving Bermuda as a tourist resort.

"One of the things we may have to do is to advertise that we look after our visitors seven days a week.'' Mr. Trimingham said Trimingham Brothers had three stores in the Clocktower which would be open on New Year's Day.

And he backed moves to sweep away public holiday restrictions on retailers.

"We have to think about the customer and what he wants. If the retail community thinks there are enough customers to open on public holidays then they should be allowed to open.

"On the other hand if retailers think by opening they are not going to get sufficient business and it just adds unnecessary expenses, then they should be free not to open.'' Phoenix Stores president Ward Young said his company's stores would open on New Year's Day, as they do on Sundays.

"We accept the challenge thrown out by Dockyard. We are open every day, except for Christmas Day.'' He added: "I appreciate what Wedco has done. The problem is whether the Finance Minister will let stores open on Sundays.'' Mr. Young said Phoenix Stores faced an intense battle to open the Bookmart on Sundays, which had cost the company lost sales and three jobs.

Government finally relented after 12 months of negotiations and pleadings.