For the first time, shops in Bermuda could open the last Sunday before Christmas, it was revealed yesterday.

The move will bring Bermuda in line with most other countries who allow shops to open on Sunday for last-minute shoppers.

And the Department of Information Services has asked for any businesses who want to apply for a special licence to do so.

And each application will be looked at on its merits.

While the Ministry of Finance states it has not yet received any applications, the jeweller Astwood Dickinson on Front Street said it has already put in a request to open on December 19.

And the shop manager Steven Mellor said if the licence is granted, they will go ahead with the plans if other shops on the street join in the extra shopping day before Christmas.

The Mr. Mellor said: "The plan is still in its infancy. If the Government allow us to open on that particular Sunday, we hope to open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. We would open in the afternoon because we recognise that people go to church on Sunday morning.

The Department of Information Services issued a release which stated: "Government has considered a request from the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce that merchants be allowed to open their doors to the public during the afternoon of the last Sunday before Christmas, December 19.

"Any merchant who wishes to open his or her shop at some time between 1pm and 6pm on December 19 may send an application for a temporary licence to the Registrar of Companies in the normal way.''