In a sprawling law enforcement operation that reverberated through the community, Tempe Tavern found itself the epicenter of a major underage drinking sting on November 20. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the Tempe Police Department’s efforts culminated in 249 arrests, predominantly for underage drinking and the possession of fake IDs. Only three individuals were booked into the Tempe City Jail, with the majority being cited and released.
This isn’t the first time Tempe Tavern has been scrutinized for similar violations; following an April sting that resulted in 167 arrests, the bar faced public outcry, including a social media apology for a shirt design deemed disrespectful. In the wake of this latest crackdown, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) is assessing whether to impose sanctions against the establishment, reports AZ Central.
The arrested patrons provided false information to officers, showcasing a systemic issue with ensuring proper identification at the bar. A representative from the Tempe Police emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “These are shocking numbers. We don’t celebrate them. Underage drinking puts people at risk – and that’s why we take it seriously,” in a statement obtained by AZ Central. The police action, involving about 57 officers, stemmed from numerous complaints about the bar’s allowance of underage consumption…