Alpharetta to lower minimum age for serving alcohol

Alpharetta plans to lower the age allowing restaurant and bar employees to serve alcoholic beverages.

Although the legal minimum drinking age in Georgia is 21, employees of businesses can serve beer, wine and liquor at 18, according to state law. Alpharetta’s ordinance currently requires employees who pour drinks be 21.

During a City Council meeting Monday, Smokejack BBQ owner Dave Filipowicz told City Council members that restaurant employees ages 18-20 have served alcohol in his establishment since he opened in 2004.

Filipowicz attended the first reading of the new law and said he had been unaware of the existing age requirement until a little over a week ago. The restaurant owner said he contacted City Councilman John Hipes to request a change in the ordinance.

Alpharetta City Council approved the first reading of law and will cast their final votes in an upcoming meeting.

About the Author

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

The Tran sisters, Von and Linda, make Thanksgiving special for Vietnamese seniors at First Senior Center of Georgia in Norcross, hosting both American and Vietnamese feasts.

Thanksgiving to bring chilly, dry, overall delightful weather to metro Atlanta

A big drop in temperatures is coming overnight Wednesday, so go ahead and pull out those flannels and blankets.

Stabbings at Buckhead high-rise, Vivide nightclub turn deadly

Separate stabbings that left two men dead sent Atlanta police flying across the city in the early morning hours Wednesday.

The Latest

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

Stabbings at Buckhead high-rise, Vivide nightclub turn deadly

Featured

Credit: @marquaythegoat

Georgia TikTok star ‘Marquay the Goat’ dies at 24

Sources familiar with the situation said Collins had complained of head and neck pain in the days leading up to his death.

State troopers record 30 crashes, 57 DUIs at start of Thanksgiving operation

Georgia State Patrol troopers are increasing their presence across the state’s interstates and state roads during the Thanksgiving travel period.

Everything you need to know about No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 23 Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets (9-2) are looking to break that long run of losses to UGA. And a win Friday would keep their faint CFP hopes alive.