As the new year rolled in, new laws rolled in as well. New legislation signed by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal will make a few things different in 2016.
Starting with House Bill 152, also known as Michael’s Law, which states that you have to be 21 to enter any bar in Georgia. This will go into effect on July 1 of this year.
This law was mainly created after the Michael Gatto incident in Statesboro, GA late 2014. Gatto was assaulted and killed by an off-duty bouncer at a Statesboro bar in his freshman year at Georgia Southern University.
Related: 7 Best Bars in Statesboro
Governor Deal signed the law to help combat underage drinking. Prior to this, many bars across the state, including those in Statesboro, would allow people 18 or over inside, but you had to be 21 to drink.
However, there are some exceptions. If you are 18 and you’re with a parent or guardian, you’re allowed inside, as well as if you’ve paid to see a concert at the bar. Also, bouncers and bartenders have to be 21-years-old.
Starting in July 2016, you must be 21 to enter any bar in Georgia, unless you’re 18 with a parent. Statesboro is the reason for the new law.
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) January 4, 2016
