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Tempe Tavern Raid: 249 Arrested in Major Underage-Drinking Crackdown

02:56 PM, 11/26/2025
Tempe Tavern Raid: 249 Arrested in Major Underage-Drinking Crackdown

The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and Tempe Police carried out a joint compliance operation at Tempe Tavern that resulted in 249 arrests for suspected underage drinking. Authorities said many patrons used fake IDs; 246 were cited and released while others were booked. Regulators will consider sanctions, including possible license suspension, once the Tempe Police complete their investigation. The tavern says it scans IDs and is cooperating with authorities.

A large, coordinated enforcement operation in Tempe, Arizona led to 249 arrests at a single bar last week after officers targeted suspected underage drinking and fake identification.

The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC), working with the Tempe Police Department, conducted a liquor-law compliance check at Tempe Tavern. Authorities said many patrons presented fraudulent IDs or provided false personal information during the sweep.

Of the 249 people taken into custody, 246 were cited and released, while a small number were booked into the Tempe City Jail. Officials described the action as a focused effort to curb underage drinking and deter future violations.

"The Arizona Department of Liquor and Tempe PD partnered in a joint operation, resulting in a major liquor law compliance check that led to 249 arrests," the ADLLC said, noting the effort was intended to send a clear message about the risks and consequences of underage alcohol use.

ADLLC representatives warned patrons to carry valid identification and emphasized that attempting to purchase alcohol while underage carries serious consequences. The agency also said any sanctions — including fines or suspension of the bar’s liquor license — will be considered only after the Tempe Police Department completes its investigation.

Officials noted this was the second large sweep at the same establishment within a year; a similar operation in April reportedly led to 167 arrests. After that earlier sweep, the tavern posted that neither the business nor its staff received citations from regulators or police.

Tempe Tavern issued a statement saying the business is cooperating with investigators and that it scans every ID presented at the door, while acknowledging that sophisticated counterfeit documents can sometimes pass screening systems.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities say they will weigh all available evidence and circumstances before determining any regulatory penalties.

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