Alcoholic Beverage Law in Georgia

Every Georgia business serving alcohol, even if not for profit, must obtain local and state alcohol licenses.

Being familiar with alcohol laws, and knowing what sales and practices are prohibited, is important for Georgia business owners and residents to know. Certain sales are prohibited and simple possession in specified areas can be unlawful.

Prohibited Sales

In general, it is against the law to sell alcohol on Sundays and Christmas in Georgia. One exception to this rule is that cities with populations exceeding 400,000 may sell alcohol on those days beginning at 12:30 p.m. so long as the sale is made in connection with an ongoing festival. Alcoholic beverages may be sold, for example, at football stadiums on a Sunday.

Public Schools

It is illegal to not only consume, but also possess, an alcoholic beverage on public school grounds. Two exceptions to this rule occur where possession of alcohol is related to a teacher's lesson plan or is being used as part of a religious ceremony.

Protected Persons

It is unlawful to not only sell, but merely give, alcohol to a person who is already drunk. Likewise, it is also illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 and restaurant servers must be at least 18 years old to lawfully sell, dispense or serve alcohol to other persons. Persons under the age of 21 may consume alcohol if doing so has been authorized by a licensed physician or the alcohol consumption is part of a religious ceremony.

References

• Justia.com: 2006 George Code 3-3-20
• Justia.com: 2006 Georgia Code 3-3-21.1
• Justia.com: 2006 Georgia Code 3-3-22
• Justia.com: 2006 Georgia Code 3-3-23

Resources

• Georgia Department of Revenue: Alcohol and Tobacco Division