A draft plan has been drawn up by the Executive to extend certain coronavirus restrictions once the circuit-breaker officially finishes on Thursday.
With some of the details still being finalised, an annoucement is hoped to be made today.
Licenced premises are expected to stay shut until the end of the month, according to Irish News columnist and Security Correspondent Allison Morris.
Hairdressers and beauticians are expected to reopen but with further restrictions.
"There are plans for a scores on the doors type council led system to reward hospitality who are keeping to the regulations, that’s something Hospitality Ulster have been asking for," Ms Morris Tweeted.
"Restaurants [are] asking to be allowed at least four weekends between now and Christmas to make opening viable. However, all this relies on the NHS not being overwhelmed which requires daily testing of front line staff which is still not in place," Ms Morris added.
A four-week circuit-break lockdown that has forced the closure of much of the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland is due to end at midnight on Thursday.
With hospitals still under sustained pressure dealing with Covid-19 admissions, ministers are likely to extend some restrictions for a further two weeks, but they are considering relaxing other measures.
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.
Addressing the Assembly this morning during a question session on the recent British Irish Council (BIC) summit, the First Minister said: “I think we are all dealing with very difficult situations at the moment, we will have an executive meeting later today and I very much hope that consensus can be achieved.
“We’re in a five-party coalition, Mr Speaker, and there are many administrations across the United Kingdom and the other administrations in the BIC who do not have to deal with differing political philosophies and ways forward.
“But we will work together, we have a determination to work together to find a solution and that will happen hopefully today.”
Representatives from the hospitality sector have insisted an 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.
Restaurants asking to be allowed at least four weekends between now and Christmas to make opening viable. However, all this relies on the NHS not being overwhelmed which requires daily testing of front line staff which is still not in place.
— Allison Morris (@AllisonMorris1) November 10, 2020
