METHADONE CLINIC FIGHTS COUNTY'S CEASE ORDER IN COURT

Judge Worries Shutdown Is Premature

'They Can't Stop Our Client From Doing Business Until The Proceedings Have
Been Concluded.' Reynolds Williams Clinic's Attorney

GEORGETOWN - Horry County's move to close the county's first methadone
clinic, 17 months after it was approved, is unfair and illegal, according
to the clinic's lawyer who protested the order Wednesday in court.

Circuit Judge John Breeden will decide whether the county has the authority
to shut down the Center of Hope clinic, pending a decision from the county
Board of Adjustments and Zoning Appeals. The board approved the clinic's
plans in July 2002 but voted last week to reconsider after a public outcry.

The county ordered the clinic to cease and desist its operations until the
board's decision, expected at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Breeden said he planned to issue a ruling before the end of the week.
Though he did not make a formal decision, he said he was concerned that the
county's order was premature and unfair.

The clinic is not yet distributing methadone, but employees are arranging
appointments for clients and working at the clinic's office near Fantasy
Harbour.

Methadone wasn't mentioned at the hearing, but the addictive narcotic is at
the center of the public outcry over the clinic.

Methadone is used to treat addiction to opiates such as OxyContin, morphine
and heroin.

Supporters of the clinic say it is needed to help the Strand's recovering
addicts, but residents and parents of children who attend nearby
Bridgewater Academy worry the clinic will bring drugs and crime to the area.

Last month, Breeden ruled that the zoning board could reconsider its
decision, over the objections of the clinic. But on Wednesday, he said he
didn't intend for the county to shut down the clinic pending that
reconsideration.

"It just doesn't smell right," he said. "... You either have permission [to
open] or you don't."

The county argued that the clinic shouldn't be allowed to open to patients
or distribute methadone until its fate is determined.

The board's attorney, John Zilinsky, said the county thought the clinic was
not yet open and wanted to "preserve the status quo," pending the board's
decision.

"Their situation is in limbo," Zilinsky said. "They ought not to be allowed
to open."

The clinic's attorney argued that until the board rescinds its decision,
the July 2002 approval should stand. Reynolds Williams said his client
relied on that ruling and spent $500,000 on the plans. To shut them down
now, he said, before the board has even voted, would be premature.

"They can't stop our client from doing business until the proceedings have
been concluded," Williams said. "What's to keep them from just shutting us
down without a reason?"