Judge denies request for casino boat to operate

Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002 | 9:26 a.m.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The newest casino boat in Little River has been denied a request to operate without a business license while its operators argue the constitutionality of a Horry County zoning ordinance.

The attempt to use a temporary injunction as a way to get around complying with zoning laws could not be supported legally, Circuit Court Judge John Breeden Jr. ruled Monday.

The Royal Winner Queen casino boat was denied a business license Jan. 8 because Ken's Cabana LLC, which operates the vessel, did not comply with county regulations that prohibit dual zoning.

The property from which the boat operates is zoned resort commercial and has a restaurant as the primary business. A second business on land zoned resort commercial must be compatible or ancillary.

Breeden said the county's denial of the business license was legal and appropriate because it was clear to him that the operation of a boat is not compatible or ancillary to a restaurant.

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