Town of Dillon v. Saleeby

81 S.E. 153, 96 S.C. 442, 1914 S.C. LEXIS 232

• Court: Supreme Court of South Carolina
• Decided: March 18, 1914
• Docket: 8750
• Status: Published

Opinion

The opinion of the Court was delivered by

Mr. Justice ITydrick.

Appellant was convicted of selling cider in violation of an ordinance of the town of Dillon, which prohibits the sale of “any Jamaica ginger or alcohol or any other ingredient of a similar nature, by whatever name called, or any cider of any kind, without the certificate of a licensed physician that the same is to be used for medical purposes.”

The uncontradicted evidence shows that all cider contains some alcohol; that at the places where cider was sold, the rough element of the community congregated, became noisy and boisterous, and, in some cases, intoxicated, and blocked the sidewalks in front of them, so that pedestrians had to get off them into the streets to pass by; that frequent arrests for drunkenness and disorderly conduct were made at such ■places, and that they were, in fact, nuisances; that since the sale of cider has been stopped, such nuisances have been abated, and much better order has prevailed.

The appeal questions the validity of the ordinance on the ground that council had no power to adopt it, and on the further ground that it is unconstitutional. Section 3994, vol. I, Code 1913, confers upon city and town councils authority to make “all such rules, by-laws, regulations and ordinances respecting the roads, streets, markets, police, health and order of said cities and towns, or respecting any subject as shall appear to them necessary and proper for the security, welfare and convenience of such cities and towns, or for preserving health, peace, order and good government within the same.” The ordinance is clearly within the grant of power.

Neither discussion nor citation of authority is necessary to show that the ordinance bears a substantial and reasonable relation to the purpose sought to be attained, to wit, the preservation of health, peace, order and good government within the town. It is, therefore, a proper exercise of the police power, and violates no provision of either the State or Federal Constitution.

Affirmed.