Businesses are strongly behind the idea of Sunday trading according to a poll conducted by the Chamber of Commerce.

The survey of around 250 members showed 78 percent wanted holiday trading extended while nearly 70 percent were against the idea of trading hours being regulated by Government.

Nearly three-quarters of those polled said they would open their businesses on Sundays and holidays if allowed.

Chamber of Commerce official George Grundmuller said businesses wanted a level playing field as grocery stores and small tourist-related stores were already allowed to trade on Sundays.

He said: ?Retailers want to open Sunday afternoons from 12 to six.?

The Chamber plans to lobby Government again over the issue and believes Cabinet has not yet made a decision on the matter.

Earlier this year Finance Minister Paula Cox said Government had an open mind on the issue and pledged discussions with stakeholders.

Mr. Grundmuller said: ?We have put it forward, we have talked in the past to the previous Minister and to the new Minister. Hopefully we think this will come. Retailers generally think it?s good for our industry as well as for the tourist industry. There?s not a lot to do on a Sunday when it rains.

?We are concerned about the tourist industry so we need to extend hours so it?s up to the stores whether they open or not.?

He said employers would not force workers to work on Sunday but he said the extra shifts in the two weeks leading up to Christmas when trading laws are relaxed had been much sought after by employees.

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