Tempe adopts drink spiking prevention ordinance; law will go into effect in August
The city of Tempe has adopted what officials say is Arizona’s first ordinance aimed at preventing drink spiking. It goes into effect Aug. 1, 2026.
Watch: The truth about Arizona's water shortage and your bills | 11 mins
PHOENIX — The city of Tempe has adopted what officials say is Arizona’s first ordinance aimed at preventing drink spiking.
In a Monday announcement, the city said the Tempe City Council unanimously approved the measure last Thursday.
The ordinance establishes specific requirements for businesses and provides access to safety tools, and it is also notable for incorporating community education provisions.
It was developed by the Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Council Subcommittee, which was created in April 2025 and is chaired by Councilman Randy Keating.
He said the new law is intended to reduce predatory behavior in Tempe’s nightlife.
“We hope this will become a statewide initiative to further deter predators in every corner of Arizona,” Keating said in the announcement.
The ordinance will take effect Aug. 1, a date chosen so it is in place before students who leave for summer break return for the fall semester.
How will drink spiking ordinance affect Tempe businesses?
The law applies to businesses with a Series 6 or Series 12 liquor license that serve alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. at least three times per month. It would impact about 70 bars and clubs in the city.
Under the ordinance, these establishments must keep at least 10 unexpired, lab‑certified drink‑spiking test kits on hand for customers to purchase and must post signs informing patrons that the kits are available. Restroom signage is also required.
Bars and clubs may charge up to a 50% markup on the test kits, which typically cost between $1.50 and $5 each.
The proposal also creates a certification program that offers qualifying businesses a 25% rebate on their licensing fees. To receive certification, businesses would need to stock drink‑testing kits and provide free covers for drink glasses.
If every eligible business participates, the certification program is estimated to cost the city about $21,000 per year.
Related
Tempe City Council working on plan to prevent drink spiking at bars
Construction begins on $20.1M medical office condominium development in Queen Creek
Developer announces completion of Nexus Commerce Center industrial park in Tempe
2 contemporary fashion brands to make Arizona debuts at Scottsdale Quarter
Great Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional tower
Bygone mall favorite Hot Dog on a Stick plans return to Arizona
Comments
3 Comments
I rarely participate in a beer hall putsch anymore 🍺
So you’ve never been out drinking between midnight and 2 am.
Here is the lab review of the top 6 test kits:
Tests were sceptible to matrix effects, with the most common interferent being red wine, followed by rum and Coke. Tests were difficult to interpret, as the color changes were subtle or unclear.
Because the results for each of the tests were either mixed or the readings were especially difficult to interpret, use of these products may prove to be problematic in a real-world situation, such as a crowded or dark bar.
Not like concerned chicks could buy them on Amazon, we need government intervention. I wonder which councilman's kid sells the kits.