The province's decision not to extend Sunday shopping year-round has dismayed the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.

On Wednesday Premier Robert Ghiz announced Sunday shopping rules would go unchanged, with shops being allowed to remain open on Sundays from the Victoria Day weekend to Christmas.

The government's decision went against a recommendation of a legislative committee in April, which suggested year-round Sunday shopping. The chamber of commerce had made a presentation in support of that idea.

"[The decision] is not consistent with the views of the majority of our members, and it isn't consistent with what we told the standing committee back in January," said chamber vice-president Sean Casey.

"Government does not have a place in telling certain classes of merchants that they can be open Sunday and certain classes of merchants that they can't be."

Casey said the chamber has made its case and has no plans to pursue the issue any further.

Continuing the fight

The tourism association, however, says it will continue to lobby for year-round Sunday shopping.

"We would have liked to have seen year-round Sunday shopping, I think for retailers and for visitors. I mean the expectation is there," said executive director Don Cudmore.

"At this point we are pleased though that we now have Sunday shopping from May until the end of December until Boxing Day, which is a really good start."

Cudmore said he's convinced government will eventually bow to pressure for year-round Sunday shopping.