Tempe City Council working on plan to prevent drink spiking at bars

PHOENIX – The Tempe City Council is working on a plan designed to prevent drink spiking at dozens of the city’s nightspots.

Lawmakers will introduce the nightlife safety ordinance and hold the first public hearing about it during Thursday’s meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed.

A final public hearing on the ordinance, which would affect about 70 bars and clubs in the city that serve alcohol after midnight, is scheduled for Feb. 5.

How was Tempe ordinance on drink spiking developed?

City officials said that if passed, the ordinance would be the first of its kind in Arizona.

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.

The proposal was the subject of a December 2025 public meeting and survey to gauge community opinion.

According to data supplied by the city, 25% of respondents said they were victims of drink spiking, while 57% of Arizona State University students personally knew a victim.

What is Tempe’s plan to prevent drink spiking?

Businesses covered by the law would be required to have at least 10 drink spiking test kits on hand for customers to purchase and to post signs making it clear they are available.

The bars and clubs could charge a markup of up to 50% for the kits, which typically cost $1.50 to $5 each.

The proposal includes a certification program that would give qualifying businesses a 25% rebate on licensing fees. To be certified, establishments would have to stock test kits and also provide free covers for drink glasses.

The certification incentive would cost the city an estimated $21,000 per year if every business covered by the ordinance participates.

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