Abstract: An apparatus for controlling access to a plurality of drawers, in one embodiment being tool dispensing apparatus (10) comprising a housing (12), a plurality of drawers (26) within the housing (12), each drawer for storing one or more tools, and a control system (14-22, 34-50) for controlling access to the drawers (26). Preferably, the apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of drawer trays (28) located in the housing (12) and on each of which one or more drawers (26) is located. The drawers are preferably divided into compartments and a control mechanism for providing access to appropriate compartments is disclosed in detail.