Wine lovers could soon enjoy a second glass of Domaine de la Romanee Conti without the guilt, following the news that the guideline alcohol limit may be raised for the first time in 20 years.

A government review by the Commons Science and Technology committee will re-examine the data which currently recommends a maximum of four units of alcohol per day for men and three for women.

Dr Richard Smith, a member of the Royal College of Physicians, said the guideline amounts introduced in 1987 were "plucked out of the air".

It is expected that the committee will recommend raising the limit to put the UK in line with more generous neighbours like France and Italy, where the guideline amount is five units per day.

"It's really important to have clear guidelines on the recommended limits for alcohol consumption, which everyone can understand," said Johann Carinus, assistant medical director at Bupa Health and Wellbeing.