Tempe now requires bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol to implement drink-spiking prevention measures under an ordinance that took effect in February 2026. The ordinance is the result of a city-created subcommittee that studied the issue and drafted the legislation before continuing to oversee its implementation.
What the ordinance changed
The ordinance amended Chapter 16 of the Tempe City Code, which governs alcohol sales and service. Establishments covered by the new rules must take steps to prevent drink spiking — the surreptitious addition of alcohol or other substances to a drink without the drinker’s knowledge.
The specific requirements for bars, restaurants, and other licensees are detailed in the ordinance text. the February 5 meeting agenda includes the full ordinance text as a supporting document under Item 8C3 lists the full ordinance and related materials.
Why Tempe created the subcommittee
Tempe’s downtown entertainment district along Mill Avenue draws large crowds of bar and restaurant patrons, and the city’s proximity to Arizona State University means a significant portion of those patrons are young adults. Drink spiking has become a nationally recognized public safety concern in entertainment districts, prompting cities across the country to assess their policies.
The Tempe City Council created the Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Council Subcommittee in mid-2025 after council discussion about the issue. The subcommittee’s first meeting was July 25, 2025, and it has met regularly since then to study the problem and develop policy responses.
The City Council introduced the ordinance for a first reading on January 22, 2026, and adopted it after a second public hearing on February 5, 2026.
Implementation and education
After the ordinance passed, the subcommittee continued meeting to support implementation and public education. The June 12 meeting is the group’s next regularly scheduled session. The agenda lists a single item covering subcommittee business and education efforts.
What’s next
The subcommittee meets Friday, June 12. Meeting details are published on the city’s public meeting calendar.