’21 and up’ law for Georgia bars goes into effect Friday

Starting Friday, July 1, anyone under the age of 21 will not be allowed to enter any bar in Georgia.
Governor Nathan Deal signed “Michael’s Law” in 2015. The law implements several new regulations aimed at bars.
The law is named after 18-year-old Michael J. Gatto, a Georgia Southern Student, who was beaten to death at a bar in 2014. After his death, Gatto’s parents learned Georgia bars are not required to carry liquor liability insurance and that Georgia has no official definition of what constitutes a bar.
“Michael’s Law” now defines a bar as an establishment in which alcohol sales make up 75% of their total sales.
The new law also requires that bouncers bartenders and serves be at least 21.
Individuals over 18 can enter if accompanied by a guardian or spouse over 21.
Individuals over 18 can enter if they have paid for a concert ticket at the location.
It is also now illegal for any business with an alcohol license to operate without liability insurance.