A push to standardise "a shambolic patchwork" of more than 50 trading hours zones across the state has met with fierce resistance from small businesses.

On a Saturday most south east Queenslanders can shop from 8am to 5pm but inner city Brisbane shops are open until 5.30pm, shops in the CBD entertainment precinct are open until 7pm and New Farm businesses are open until 9pm.

The National Retailers Association is pushing to standardise trading hours in south east Queensland. Credit:Louie Douvis

The National Retail Association wants to unite the whole region under one set of trading hours restrictions.

But independent and small business representatives say the association's push for uniformity is nothing but an attempt to extend trading hours, potentially crippling small businesses.