Liquor Control Division

The Liquor Control Commission is a three-member regulatory body.  It is not a part of the Department of Consumer Protection or the Liquor Control Division; it is a separate and unique commission but is administratively housed under the Department of Consumer Protection.  Its members are appointed by the Governor: the chair is always the Commissioner of Consumer Protection (who may name a designee to sit in his or her place), plus two other appointees.  No more than two Commission members may be of the same political party.

The Liquor Control Commission holds formal administrative hearings for cases brought by the Liquor Control Division.  The Commission is like the “judge” and the Division is like a “prosecutor.” Allegations can include, but are not limited to: sales to minors, sales to intoxicated people, suitability of applicants and permit premises, obtaining permits by fraud, and unlawful activity occurring on the permit premises. The Liquor Control Commission does not have any criminal authority; its power is limited to impacting the liquor permit.  It may issue fines, suspensions, revocations, and place conditions on a permit following a hearing.  

The Commissioner of Consumer Protection is allowed to delegate other tasks to the commission at his or her discretion.  

Generally, Liquor Control Commission hearings are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays via the Microsoft Teams Platform.  The Commission uses the administrative rules of procedure to conduct hearings.  Hearings are always open to the public, and any information presented to the Commission – either as documentary evidence or spoken testimony – is subject to public disclosure.  Following a hearing, the Commission must issue a decision within 90 days.  You can find links to past decisions below.

Current Commission Members