Belfast traders have held crisis discussions over a slump in sales caused by unrest over the decision to restrict the flying of the Union flag from City Hall.
Many of the traders, who met at the Europa hotel on Wednesday night, warned they could be put out of business if the flag protests continue.
Businessmen and women said they may deliver a petition to Belfast City councillors as well as Assembly members at Stormont to highlight their concerns over lost trade since early December.
Theresa Villiers is to meet the Irish Foreign Minister and Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Minister today for talks about the Union flag protests.
The Northern Ireland Secretary has urged demonstrators to stop as violence threatens the local economy.
Ms Villiers, Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will meet at Stormont this morning.
Picketers have blocked roads causing massive traffic disruption while more than 100 police have been injured by petrol bombs and other missiles since the December 3 vote by Belfast City Council.
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