A local wine and spirits company that started importing wine from South Africa in June is standing by its decision although the Bermuda Anti-Apartheid Coalition wants to persuade the business community to hold off trade with South Africa until after the elections there in April.

Mr. David Powell, managing director of Bristol Cellar, confirmed that his firm buys South African wine from a distributor in New Jersey. He declined to name the distributor.

Mr. Powell said the response was "100 percent favourable'' when the wines were introduced at a trade show held at the end of June.

The trade show that lasted three hours, was attended by 35 representatives from the Island's hotels, cottage colony's and restaurants.

"Not one political eyebrow was raised during the show,'' Mr. Powell said.

"Since that time we have only one account has been reluctant to list us for fear of political repercussions.'' He would not say who that account was.

Mr. Powell said he thinks the renewed trade with South Africa goes hand in hand with other events in the world like the United States and Britain deciding to lift sanctions two years ago.

But Mr. Glenn Fubler, co-ordinator of Bermuda's Anti-Apartheid Coalition said that his group was working behind the scenes and intends to use forms of "gentle persuasion'' to convince the local business community to look at this issue squarely.

"Bermuda's level of support for the breaking down of Apartheid in South Africa has been consistently high,'' Mr. Fubler said." We have been a leader due to support from the cultural, sporting and business community. We call on the business community to look at this issue and to hold off trade until after the election.

"We can understand the business community's confusion, but this is a matter of conscience.'' Mr. Powell disagreed.

"I don't think the wine industry should be penalised for their political beliefs. We trade with the United States. Their politics is not that good yet we still trade with them. South African wines are first class. There is no reason to stop buying them.'' His sentiments were echoed by another wine importer who did not want to be identified. They are also considering bringing in South African wines.

"The world is highly imperfect,'' the man said. "Some of the oldest vineyards are there. Their wines are beautiful, they deserve to be on the market but I don't want to be doing something which at this time could be perceived as bad for my business.''