GAFollowers
  • HOME
  • CULTURE
    • News
      • Local
    • Entertainment
      • Music
    • Sports
    • Georgia Swallowers
  • Events
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Local, News 3

Statesboro Causes State-Wide Law on Age Requirement for Bars

By Jeremy Jones @GAFollowers · On January 5, 2016

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

bars statesborogeorgia southerngovernor dealmichael gattomichaels lawnew lawsstatesborounderage drinking
Share Tweet

Jeremy Jones

I work for GAFollowers. Please contact my email: jwjones@gafollowers.com Instagram - @jeremypopjones

You Might Also Like

  • College

    Georgia Southern QB Has Charges Dropped After Police Mistook Bird Poop for Cocaine

  • Local

    5 Important Georgia Laws That Went into Effect on July 1st, 2019

  • Local

    Statesboro Woman Buys Lego Set for Kid & Finds 40K Worth of Meth

Follow GAFollowers

Follow @GAFollowers
Follow on Instagram

Find us on Facebook

Follow @GAFollowers

Tweets by @GAFollowers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2015 GAFollowers LLC. All rights reserved.