Large supermarkets could be allowed to open for business over Cup Match, it was claimed yesterday.

And last night the idea was sharply criticised by Opposition politicians, the Bermuda Industrial Union, one supermarket boss and small shop owners.

They believe the move will hurt the small businesses and erode Bermuda's unique culture.

"I will call the Premier to express my concern,'' said Giorgio Zanol, managing director of Lindo's. "I feel concerned about the small businesses.'' BIU president Derrick Burgess added: "The sad part of this is that Bermuda seems to be following in the footsteps of larger countries and it is eroding our culture.'' If a supermarket wants to open, it has to apply for a Public Holiday Trading Licence which would allow it to open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The shop would have to apply for two licences if it wanted to open on both Cup Match days. It is understood that at least one supermarket has applied, but it is not known which one and whether the application has been granted.

Yesterday supermarkets contacted by The Royal Gazette including the MarketPlace, Lindo's, White's and Harrington Hundreds said either they had not heard of the situation or had made no decision.

Mr. Zanol, who said his shops will not open on Cup Match, added: "It is up to the people who issue the licence to refuse them.

"I feel concerned about the little shops, these are two days when they can make some money. We need the small operators as much as we need the big ones.

They employ the whole family.'' Recently Government allowed the large supermarkets to open on Sunday afternoons -- a move which generated fierce opposition from the BIU and churches.

Some supermarkets were even picketed in protest at opening on a Sunday.

Yesterday, Gary White, of White's, said he was not planning to open and at Harrington Hundreds a spokesman said he had not heard anything and had not applied for a licence.

At the MarketPlace, a spokesman said the supermarket had made no decision about opening on Cup Match.

The Small Grocers Association -- representing six small shops -- also put out a statement warning that small businesses could be hurt.

Members claimed Government had taken a decision to allow opening on Cup Match without any consultation, warning or consideration.

Spokeswoman for the group, Sonia Dismont-Burgess said: "A decision to allow the supermarkets to open sends us a clear message that Government has no consideration for and does not care about the small business.'' She added: "Cup Match is a holiday that people look forward to. It is the biggest holiday in Bermuda and this smacks right in the face of people's rights.

"The Bermuda culture is for shops to be closed on Sundays and public holidays and we should do everything in our power to preserve that.'' Mrs. Dismont-Burgess said she was concerned about the staff who should have the days off to be with their families. He feared people with children could have difficulty working when nurseries might be closed.

She added: "The shops might be open in the morning, but eventually it will be all day and we will be left with no culture.

"People who come to Bermuda are used to Sunday and public holiday shop openings; they don't want to see that here.

"This will be the first time in Bermuda's history that these large supermarkets will be allowed to open on Cup Match. It should not be allowed.'' Shadow Community Affairs Minister the Rev. Trevor Woolridge said the move represented another change -- without public discussion -- in a long standing Government policy.

"This change brings into question the effectiveness of the Public Holidays Act,'' Mr. Woolridge said, "if it is to be constantly circumvented by policy changes that are inconsistent with legislation made in the public interest.'' National Liberal Party chairman Charles Jeffers said Government should reverse its decision.

"I have to wonder and question the Government's attitudes towards small businesses in Bermuda,'' Mr. Jeffers said. "We all know that the UBP represents big business's concerns so I'm concerned but not surprised by this development.''