(DBR) - The Oregon Liquor Control Commission in the US has approved the sale of beer, wine along with hard alcohol at liquor stores in the state, if the agent wants to and can get the necessary licenses.

 The move forms part of an effort to loosen the state liquor sales in view of evolving consumer tastes and to move towards privatization.

The commission had initially given nod to four stores to sell beer and wine in March 2012 as part of its pilot program.

Oregon Liquor Control Commission spokeswoman Christie Scott was quoted by the Statesmen Journal as saying, "The commissioners deemed the test successful and acknowledged going forward that they would be willing to look at any other applications."

The beer and wine sales at the pilot locations increased by approximately 12%, while sales at other liquor stores increased by around 7.8%.

Currently, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission manages 248 liquor stores across the state.