The church, which is famed for its staunch teetotalism, is set to debate the issue of applying for a drinks licence for Westminster Central Hall when delegates meet at next month's Methodist conference in Scarborough.

Trustees of the hall want the right to serve alcohol at the numerous conferences and receptions held there every year.

They say the move will help meet an £8m refurbishment bill for the building.

But traditional members of the laity are finding it hard to swallow and have accused the trustees of cashing-in on modern trends.

Founder's teachings

They see the move as a significant shift from the teachings of founder John Wesley, who believed alcohol was a dangerous narcotic that should be avoided.

Superintendent of the hall, Rev Dr Peter Graves, said trustees were considering applying for an "occasional drinks licence".

Marketing survey

He added: "We have a major refurbishment programme going on a the moment and this is one of a number ideas we are looking at.

"We are not talking about wild parties or a bar. We hire out our conference facilities six days a week and recently we commissioned a major marketing survey.

"What we got back time and again from our customers was that they loved our facilities, but wished they could hold a cheese and wine party or serve wine at a meal, which they can't do at the moment.

"Non-alcoholic wine doesn't really seem to have the same effect."

Relaxed approach

The shift in attitude reflects the more relaxed approach to abstinence that has emerged in recent years.

About half of its worshippers admit to taking the occasional tipple - something that Dr Graves defends.

"The main reason for abstinence was that it was linked to social deprivation.

Traditional view

"Circumstances have changed since the 1930s and although it is still a problem we would like to embrace a wider range of views."

But one leading member was outspoken in his defence of traditional values.

"I think some Methodists will be upset by this," said Rev Neil Richardson, a member of the Worldwide Methodist Council.