News 12 First at Five / July 1, 2016

AUGUSTA, Ga (WRDW/WAGT) -- One new law, effective today, prevents anyone under the age of 21 to enter several bars in the state of Georgia. This also includes people working in bar such as bartenders and bouncers.

The new law is called Michael's law. It's named after a former Georgia Southern University student, Michael Gatto, was beaten to death at a Statesboro bar.

The tragedy caused many Georgia lawmakers to take action.

Michael Agostino is a managing partner at Sole, a restaurant and bar in downtown Augusta.

"We found out that it had passed and everything had gone through not more than two or three days ago."

Many bars and restaurants, including Sole, in downtown Augusta won't be affected by the new law. That's because the law defines a bar as an establishment in which alcohol makes up 75 percent of their total sales. That doesn't mean local restaurants not defined as a "bar" are completely off the hook.

"I have a feeling that because of this law they're going to be really cracking down on compliance checks," explained Agostino.

That could lead to fines as well as suspensions for local restaurants. Under Michael's law, bars, cities, and municipalities must report those violations within 45 days.

"We're not classified as a bar. If we're allowing under 18-year-olds to be here, and they buy a drink, we're liable," said Agostino.

As downtown Augusta continues to grow, Michaels law could affect local bars sooner rather than later.

There are two exceptions to the law. The first is if you're 18 or older, you can enter a bar with a parent or spouse who is over 21. The second is if you're over 18 and you paid for concert tickets at a venue that serves alcohol, you can still attend the concert.