Many bed & breakfasts offer alcoholic drinks, but a government consultation could make it easier for all small guest houses to do so in future - potentially increasing demand for bar furniture in such establishments.
Up until now, even a small B&B wishing to provide alcoholic drinks to guests has been required to get a licence in the same way as a large hotel with a bar area.
The proposals are for an exemption to be introduced, called the Community and Ancillary seller's Notice, or CAN, for establishments where the sale of alcohol is ancillary to their main business.
For example, under the proposals, it might be permissible to provide a couple with a bottle of wine to take up to their room.
Similar low levels of consumption - an alcoholic drink with dinner, or a night cap on arrival back at the B&B - would be subject to equivalent exemptions.
This could encourage a greater number of small independent guest houses to invest in bar furniture, and create a lounge for customers to use.
Lynne Featherstone, minister of state for crime prevention, said: "The government is committed to reducing the unnecessary burdens on responsible businesses.
"Small businesses have told us that the existing licensing requirements are heavy-handed for those who want to sell small amounts of alcohol as part of a wider service."
In response to the consultation, which closes on December 9th, the Bed and Breakfast Association advised its members on certain 'recommended answers' to the questions asked.
These include limiting CAN eligibility to establishments with up to 15 bed spaces - the consultation document allows for five, ten, 15 or 20, along with a 'don't know' option.
Acceptable alcohol limits for a 24-hour period are also outlined in the consultation, with thresholds set at up to two units, up to three units, up to five units, and more than five units, again with a 'don't know' option.
However, three units is only a single pint of premium beer, two bottles of 4% lager or a single large glass of wine; five units allows for a bottle of 13% wine shared between two people.
With this in mind, the B&B Association is advising its members to vote for the 'more than five units' option, for example to allow guests to have a glass of wine with their meal, and then take a further full bottle to their room.