(1) Any person who the tax commission determines is qualified to receive a license or is found suitable under the provisions of this chapter, having due consideration for the proper protection of the health, safety, morals, good order and general welfare of the inhabitants of the State of Mississippi and the declared policy of this state, may be issued a state privilege license for the operation of a cruise vessel. The burden of proving his qualification to receive any license or be found suitable is on the applicant.

(2) An application to receive a license shall not be granted unless the commission is satisfied that the applicant is:

(a) A person of good character, honesty and integrity;

(b) A person whose prior activities, criminal record, if any, reputation, habits and associations do not pose a threat to the public interest of this state or to the effective regulation and control of cruise vessels, or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair or illegal practices, methods and activities in the operation of cruise vessels or the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto; and

(c) In all other respects qualified to be licensed or found suitable consistently with the declared policy of the state.

(3) A license to operate a cruise vessel shall not be granted unless the applicant has satisfied the commission that:

(a) He has adequate business probity, competence and experience, in the operation of cruise vessels or generally; and

(b) The proposed financing of the entire operation is:

(i) Adequate for the nature of the proposed operation; and

(ii) From a suitable source. Any lender or other source of money or credit which the commission finds does not meet the standards set forth in subsection (2) may be deemed unsuitable.