Ala. Code § 45-49-43.04
Upon receipt of an application for the license required by Section 45-49-43, the original shall be referred to the chief of police of the city or municipality in which the business is to be located or the sheriff of the county who shall cause such investigation of the applicant's business and moral character to be made as he or she deems necessary for the protection of the public good. If, as a result of such investigation, the applicant's character or business responsibility is found to be unsatisfactory or if he or she does not otherwise qualify under this part, the chief of police or sheriff shall endorse on such application his or her disapproval and the reason for the same and return the application to the license commission who shall notify the applicant that his or her application is disapproved and that no license will be issued. If, as a result of such investigation, the character and business responsibility of the applicant are found to be satisfactory, and he or she otherwise qualifies under this part, the chief of police or sheriff shall endorse on the application his or her approval, and return the application to the judge of probate who shall deliver to the applicant his or her license, in the same manner as to other licenses of the county. In the event the license is disapproved, the applicant may appeal to the judge of probate by filing a written appeal notice with the license commission within 14 days of date of disapproval notice.
Ala. Code § 45-49-43.04 (1975)