This resulted in the passage in 1999 of House Bill 2892, which consolidates many of the licenses issued by the Commission. The commission consists of five citizen commissioners who are appointed by the governor to four-year terms, subject to Senate confirmation. Each commissioner represents a state congressional district, and one is from the food and beverage industry. During fiscal year 1997-1998, the commission had 214 state employees. During 1997-98, the Commission had 234 retail liquor stores throughout the state selling package distilled spirits.
Exclusive stores sell only liquor and certain related items.
Non-exclusive stores are operated as a side business, most prevalently in smaller towns. The five-member commission sets general policy and appoints the agency administrator. The purpose of the Merchandising Program is to ensure that merchandise is readily available to customers. The program buys, warehouses, ships and makes available a wide variety of liquor products through its retail liquor outlets. The Regulatory Program consists of the Regulatory Process Division and the Field Services Division.