It comes after the state government confirmed there would be a public holiday on December 27 this year in lieu of Christmas falling on a Sunday.

Small Business Minister Philip Dalidakis said there would be no trading restrictions for businesses on the public holiday.

Business Horsham’s executive committee debated the issue at its monthly meeting last week.

Executive administrator Wendy Mitchell said the Tuesday holiday would be difficult for small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector.

However she said the group also acknowledged the public holiday would give others more time to spend with family.

“While we understand this, it is not the same for those who run small businesses,” she said.

“Our communities expect and want to dine and shop when they have the day off, so our small business families don't gain the same benefit in that sense.”

Mrs Mitchell said the holiday was a double-edged sword.

“Do businesses close and lose the revenue, or do they open with increased costs due to the penalty rates, in the hope the community will support them?” she said. 

“Casual staff miss out on hours to work, because in many cases it is not affordable to employ on public holidays.

“We find business owners will open and run their business themselves, or with very limited staff to cater to that expectation.”

Mrs Mitchell encouraged business owners to plan early to determine whether opening or closing was the best option for them. 

“Work out the impact on the business break-even, and make a call on a course of action based on the figures,” she said. 

“This might include passing on some of the cost via a surcharge.”