Mixed feelings after public forum for proposed bar age limit

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Tuesday marks the first public forum to hear the community’s input on the proposed bar age limit ordinance. 

The proposed ordinance would make it illegal for anyone under 21 to enter or stand outside of a bar.

The owners of The Crazy Bull and The Rookery explain their business would be greatly affected because many 18, 19, and 20 year olds go to their bar and restaurant for a bite to eat or a concert.

However, the owners of Element Nightclub fully support this proposal because owners say teens drink before coming into their bar which creates a liability for them.

Macon-Bibb Commissioner, Scotty Shephard, proposed the ordinance. After today’s ordinance he believes there’s even more reason to pass it.

“When he publicly admits, in my opinion, that he’s exposing 18, 19, and 20 year old to alcohol, I think you need to do something about it,” explained Commissioner Shephard.

Business owners aren’t the only ones affected if this ordinance passes. Mercer University students believe their social lives will be extremely limited if they can’t go Downtown.

“Mercer students as a whole enjoy Downtown nightlife, even if they’re not 21. The bars in Macon have been kind of a hang out spot for a lot of students and it’s not necessarily even revolving around drinking. It’s a social way for people to get out and meet each other,” said Caled Barefield, a junior at Mercer University.

Those against the proposal also believe it will affect restoration efforts. They say it may deter people from coming to the Downtown area if commissioners limit who can enjoy the nightlife.

The final Public Forum for the proposed bar age limit will be Tuesday, October 14th at 2:15 p.m.