Justice Minister Jane Poole-Wilson says finding out how many times police were called to shops would involve manually reviewing thousands of case records.
She'd faced a question for written answer from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse on the topic.
He wanted to know how many callouts were for abusive customers or the actions of managers.
In her response, she said her department couldn't give the figures within the allowed timescale to answer.
November timetable changes ahead of Manxman return
New music therapy service launches
MONEYVAL representatives arrive on Island
Island GPs to attend training on Tuesday afternoon
Firefighters called to Foxdale house blaze
Pub appeals for return of stolen note
Event hopes to explain Pokémon to parents
Braddan gym hoping for industry award success