Opinion ID: 1363800
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the law governing

Text: The parties agree that this appeal is pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), S.C. Code Ann. § 1-23-310 et seq. (Supp. 1984). The scope of appellate review of administrative agency decisions is set out in § 1-23-380(g)(5). (g) The court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the agency as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact. The court may affirm the decision of the agency or remand the case for further proceedings. The court may reverse or modify the decision if substantial rights of the appellant have been prejudiced because the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions or decisions are: ... (5) Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative and substantial evidence on the whole record; Authority to issue wine and beer permits is vested in ABC by S.C. Code Ann. § 61-9-320 (Supp. 1984); to issue minibottle license by S.C. Code Ann. § 61-5-50 (1976). S.C. Code Ann. § 61-9-320 (Supp. 1984) mandates that ABC, before issuing a wine and beer permit, make a finding that an applicant's proposed place of business is a proper one: No permit authorizing the sale of beer or wine shall be issued unless: ... (6) The location of the proposed place of business of applicant is in the opinion of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission a proper one. Although the minibottle statute is silent as to the necessity of a finding that a proposed location is suitable, we held in Schudel v. S.C.A.B.C. Comm'n , 276 S.C. 138, 142, 276 S.E. (2d) 308, 310 (1981) that ABC is empowered to take that factor into consideration. See also , 45 Am. Jur. (2d) Intoxicating Liquors , § 138 (1969); 48 C.J.S. Intoxicating Liquors , § 96 (1981). In determining whether a proposed location is suitable, ABC may consider any evidence adverse to the location. Smith v. Pratt , 258 S.C. 504, 189 S.E. (2d) 301 (1972). This determination of suitability is not solely a function of geography. It involves an infinite variety of considerations related to the nature and operation of the proposed business and its impact on the community wherein it is to be situated. Schudel; 48 C.J.S. Intoxicating Liquors , §§ 118-119, 121 (1981).