Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws generally specify the legal age at which an individual can consume, possess, purchase, or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. The MLDA in all states in the United States is 21 years. But the manner in which the MLDA is enforced—and the punishment for violations—varies from state to state.
In Georgia, as in all states across the United States, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) is 21 years. This means individuals must be at least 21 years old to legally consume, possess, or purchase alcoholic beverages. Georgia law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from misrepresenting their age for the purpose of obtaining alcohol and from possessing alcohol while under the legal age. Penalties for violating MLDA laws in Georgia can include fines, community service, and mandatory participation in an alcohol education program. Additionally, Georgia has a 'zero tolerance' law for underage drinking and driving, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 can result in a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge. The enforcement of these laws is carried out by state and local law enforcement agencies.