WAILUKU >> Maui’s Liquor Control Commission has approved a recommendation to lift the cap on the number of hostess bars in the county.

The county has reached its limit of 12 hostess bars, which are in Wailuku and Kahului. In hostess bars, employees sit with and entertain patrons. 

The cap went into effect in the 1990s, when the county had a policy of no more than five hostess bars. 

The Maui News reported Friday the rule amendment lifting the cap is expected to be forwarded to Mayor Alan Arakawa for final action. 

The Liquor Department says it received letters asking for the cap to be lifted, citing reasons including free enterprise and the county’s increased population. 

County spokesman Rod Antone says Arakawa will look at it when it crosses his desk.