Packed crowd opposes bar ordinance

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Commissioners believe the proposed bar age limit ordinance will not get passed in committee.

The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to not only enter a bar, but also stand outside of it.

Everyone who spoke at Tuesday’s forum was in opposition of the ordinance for a number of reasons.

Mercer University came full force to the meeting. The Student Government Association filed a resolution with the Macon-Bibb Commissioners. The resolution stated the University’s opposition to the proposed ordinance. They also started an online petition.

“We started an online petition Sunday night and between Sunday night and Tuesday at 2 p.m., we had over 550 signatures,” explained Joey Wozniak, The President of Mercer University SGA. 

Macon-Bibb Commissioner Larry Schlesinger believes if Macon wants to be a college town, then it has to act like it.

“Mercer University is one of the gems of this community and we need to be sensitive to the student body as well as supportive in every way possible to make sure that body feels at home here in Macon,” said Commissioner Schlesinger.

Macon-Bibb Commissioner Scotty Shephard proposed the ordinance. After Tuesday’s forum, he doesn’t believe it will be passed. He still thinks there is a problem with underage drinking, but he believes enforcing existing laws will help.

The committee will vote on the ordinance next Tuesday.