Provide input on a proposed Drink Spiking Education & Prevention Ordinance

Drink spiking is when someone adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge. Your input will help inform an ordinance designed to prevent drink spiking, promote education, and enhance public safety in local nightlife settings. Tempe is home to a vibrant, historic nightlife scene centered around the iconic Mill Avenue and extending across the city’s thriving bars, restaurants, festivals, and breweries. While Tempe experiences no more drink-spiking incidents than comparable cities, it remains a serious and often underreported public safety concern in many cities. Acting now allows Tempe to take proactive steps to educate the public, raise awareness, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Proposed Ordinance Provisions - read the draft ordinance here.

• Require bars/nightclubs to provide drink-spiking test devices available to patrons during operating hours.
• Kits may be provided free or sold with a maximum markup of 20% over purchase cost.
• Requires establishments to check device expiration dates and replace expired stock; however, establishments are NOT held liable for a defective or false positive tests.
• Allows venues to offer drink lids/covers (free or for sale).
• Creates an incentive: venues that provide free test kits and lids are eligible for a 25% liquor license fee reduction.
• Requires clear, visible signage informing patrons about kit availability. Signage will be provided by Tempe PD.

Affected Establishments

The proposed ordinance would apply to businesses holding the following liquor licenses that serve alcohol past 10:00 PM on weekdays or 12:00 AM on weekends.

• Series 3 – Domestic Microbrewery
• Series 6 – Bar
• Series 7 – Beer & Wine
• Series 11 – Hotel/Motel
• Series 12 – Restaurant

Exceptions may include establishments that do not align with the ordinance’s intent, such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, sports arenas, or restaurants that do not serve cocktails or beer on tap (e.g., Chipotle, Mod Pizza). Businesses that believe they qualify for an exception not explicitly listed may request exemption authorization from the Chief of Police.

Timeline & Next Steps

After the public survey closes, the Council Subcommittee will review feedback. A draft ordinance may then advance to a Public Hearing on Jan. 8, followed by a potential Council vote for adoption on Jan. 22. 

Provide your feedback by answering the questions below. More information is available by reading an overview here or visiting tempe.gov/CouncilCommittees