21 and Over

Mobile, Ala., is going the way of California and venue owners aren’t happy.

Mobile’s city council voted to impose a 21-and-over restriction on bars and clubs, which previously could allow 19-year-olds. Some business owners say the new model could force them to shut down because cover charges paid by the college crowd are an integral part of their business model.

The old rules allowed owners operating under a lounge license to admit anyone older than 19 while owners of private clubs could set age limits of their choosing.

The new law resembles the law in California, where only establishments from working kitchens can admit patrons under the age of 21.