BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A Bloomington business group is opposing the mayor’s push to ban new chain stores and restaurants from parts of the city’s downtown.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce says a survey of its members found many against the restrictions proposed by Mayor Mark Kruzan. The group says while it supports local independent businesses, it believes that market demands should dictate the commercial mix.

Kruzan said the chamber’s stance is irresponsible because a detailed proposal has not yet been prepared and fewer than one-fifth of the group’s members responded to the survey.

The mayor has suggested prohibiting chain businesses from around the courthouse square and along Kirkwood Avenue near the Indiana University campus.