if a Chamber of Commerce plan wins merchants' support.

Stores in Dockyard, Hamilton, and St. George's would open until 9 p.m. every Wednesday from July 7 through October 27, Mrs. Joan Ward one of the organisers said.

The plan, which was revealed last week at a public forum staged by the Premier's Commission on Competitiveness, is aimed at stimulating the economy and adding some "pizzazz'' to nightlife in Bermuda.

It may also include having streets closed off for entertainment.

And when announced at the forum at St. George's Town Hall it received enthusiastic applause.

A number of audience members said Bermuda virtually shut down at 5 p.m., and shopping hours should be extended.

"You can't even buy an ice cream after 5 o'clock in Hamilton,'' said one woman.

Chamber member Mrs. Joan Ward said the Chamber had not yet asked merchants to sign a commitment pledge, but the verbal response to the plan had been positive.

But both Mrs. Ward and Chamber of Commerce executive Ms Carolyn Mello last night stressed the plan was in its preliminary stages and they could not comment in detail.

Ms Mello said the Chamber hoped to make an official statement in a couple of weeks.

But Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge last night made it clear that he would welcome the plan.

"It's a great idea,'' he said. "For a long time we have had comments from our visitors about no shopping after 5 p.m. If people go sightseeing during the day, they would like to do shopping in the evening.'' Mr. Woolridge said some stores, such as Archie Brown & Son, have remained open until 9 p.m. and it had been reasonably successful.

"I think it (the plan) is a step in the right direction,'' he added. "I would also like to see some emphasis put on entertainment.'' Mr. Woolridge said the Tourism Ministry "can only do so much''.

"If the business community is willing to do that,'' he said, "it is certainly a step in the right direction for the future.''