AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Local businesses are getting ready for New Years Eve patrons in Augusta.

Last year, bars in Downtown Augusta saw a major decrease in business as they were unable to sell alcohol with New Years Eve falling on a Sunday. 

“Kind of a shame that the bars aren’t gonna be open, but we’ll make the best of it and stay home,” said Charles Squires last year when speaking of the alcohol restriction on Sunday. “Go to friends houses, try not to host at our house.”

By law, bars in Augusta can only be open one Sunday per year, and last year, commissioners chose Super Bowl Sunday leaving out New Years Eve day. 

“You’re affecting – this is just a fraction of the people that are affected by a vote we weren’t even allowed to be part of, and we’re the ones impacted financially by it,” Adrien Estrada, owner of The Loft Bar, when speaking to commissioners back in December 2023.

But with the holiday falling on a Tuesday this year, many businesses will benefit from alcohol and food sales alike.

“It’s my first new year here in Augusta,” said Obed Castillo, manager at El Paso Restaurant. “So, I’m super excited for my restaurant. For me, it was a lot of work for this, a couple months ago. So, I’m excited for people to come to my restaurant this time and I hope all restaurants are super busy, people come to restaurants and – I don’t know – Happy New Year!” 

Speaking of a Happy New Year, if you’re looking for an authentic drink, El Paso manager Obed Castillo says he’s got you covered. 

“I have a lot of options for margaritas, especially fresh margaritas,” he said. “For example, pineapple jalapeno, cucumber jalapeno, coronita champagne margarita – these are very, very popular in my restaurant.” 

And if you’re wanting a good meal to accompany that drink, Castillo says he’s got you too.

“For food it’s just like a big menu too. So, a lot of options – for example, steak fajitas, chicken fajitas, chimichangas, seafood plate, seafood soup,” he said. “Just a lot of options but it’s like– it’s different because people select all menu, not have like one or two favorite plates.” 

No matter where you go, the most important thing is to be safe and ring in the new year with some fun and food.