Stormont ministers have failed to reach agreement on a potential extension of circuit-break coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland.
Ministers in the powersharing executive are due to resume discussions on Tuesday morning
Extensive talks on Monday failed to produce an outcome, with ministers at odds on whether to extend some or all of the measures for a further two weeks.
One of options understood to have been under consideration last night was allowing cafes and restaurants to reopen, but without alcohol being sold.
Ministers were also believed to be considering retaining some restrictions, such as the closure of pubs that do not sell food, for a further fortnight.
But there were doubts over whether ministers would press ahead with this option, as it was understood discussions last night they acknowledged concerns from the hospitality sector.
Ministers were also assessing whether close-contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, could be allowed to resume, but under strict restrictions.
The first meeting was held remotely yesterday morning and lasted for over an hour, but it was adjourned after ministers requested more detail from health officials.
It is understood chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride and chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young worked to gather evidence related to the likely impact of easing some of the restrictions.
The four-week circuit-break lockdown is due to end on Thursday after the stricter coronavirus measures in the north came into force on October 16.
But with hospitals still under sustained pressure dealing with Covid-19 admissions, ministers were understood to be considering extending some restrictions for a further two weeks.
It is believed that health minister Robin Swann is in favour of a fortnight extension.
The DUP favours a relaxation of the current restrictions.
It is understood Sinn Fein is content to extend many of the restrictions but wants to see some easements, particularly for those working in close contact services.
While ministers reconvened twice last night to consider the information, it may be today before any moves are formally announced.
That would come in the form of a statement in the Assembly chamber by Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
However, representatives from the hospitality sector have insisted the inability to sell alcohol would make trading unviable.
Leading Belfast restaurateur Michael Deane called the proposal "crazy".
"Where does that leave us to go?" he asked.
"Absolutely devastating and I think it is criminal, I think it is absolutely stupid."
Other critics of the measures being considered included DUP MP Ian Paisley, who accused the executive of taking decisions for the "optics", in order to make the administration look good.
Mr Paisley questioned the evidential basis for claiming the ban on alcohol in restaurants would drive down infection rates.
"It's like saying you can open a hairdresser but you can't use a comb," he told the BBC.
"Seriously, what's the evidence for that?"
Ministers are under pressure to come to an agreed position to give businesses time to prepare for potential changes on Friday.
