As of July 1, 2016, the Georgia bar scene will be undergoing a couple important changes that everyone should make themselves aware of. With this recently passed bill, also named Michael's Law, the most notable change is that no one under the age of 21 may enter a bar, be a bartender, or be a bouncer. There are several stipulations or circumstances, if you will, that you may want to keep in mind, or at least be aware of, concerning this new law.
First, I want to give a little background information on the law itself. Michael Gatto, a Georgia Southern freshman who was only 18, died from injuries sustained from a violent altercation with an off-duty bouncer (only 20 years old at the time) at a bar in Statesboro, Rude Rudy's. Rudy's closed down for good almost immediately after the accident. After his death, his parents vowed to fight for legislative action focusing on underage drinking and access to alcohol, as well as holding the bars accountable for incidents like this one.
So what exactly does Michael's Law mean? Well, as previously mentioned, the most notable action point is raising the age for any patron of a bar from 18 to 21. Some bars, like Athens, already made these changes years ago at their own discretion, however now it is no longer an option. There is one good note to this, however, and that is that this rule does not apply to anyone attending a live music concert or performing arts concert for which they have paid an admission charge for.
The bill defines a "bar" as any premises at which a retailer licensed to sell alcoholic beverages derives 75 percent or more of their total annual revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages consumed on the premises. So, some small, local restaurants-by-day-bars-by-night may be able to slip through the cracks.
The second main point of the bill is to establish a minimum insurance requirement, at the State level, in order for businesses to obtain an alcohol license. This section also states that licensed alcohol distributors are responsible for self-reporting disciplinary action taken against the place of business to the Department of Revenue within 45 days of the incident.
While I do have the highest hopes that this law will prevent any future tragic incidents like Michael's, I fear that this law will be easily avoided through the avid use of fake ID's that frequently circulate the bar scenes. Overall, my wish is for everyone in college to have the time of their lives, but most importantly to remain safe and feel secure in their surroundings, wherever that may be.
I give my deepest condolences to the family of Michael Gatto and congratulate them on their victory in honoring their son.
You can access a PDF of the approved House Bill HERE
