The Oregon Liquor Control Commission received 27 applications for new liquor stores in 14 counties of Central and Eastern Oregon, an OLCC spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Christie Scott did not have available a breakdown of where applicants had applied to open new stores. The application period closed July 31.

The OLCC is in phase two of a plan to increase the number of liquor stores throughout the state. The applications will next be reviewed for completeness. All applicants with a complete application will be interviewed, Scott said.

Then OLCC staff will review the applications to assess whether they meet the criteria set out by the agency when it solicited applications earlier this year. Criteria include plans for the store space, the business plan, the applicant’s financial backing and experience in selling alcohol, she said.

The next step is an appearance before the commission in October. The commission plans to award contracts by November, Scott said.