Tempe Tavern at risk of losing liquor license in ‘lethal pattern’ of underage drinking

The Brief

  • Arizona regulators are seeking to immediately revoke the liquor license of Tempe Tavern following a 257-page report alleging systemic undercover drinking and illegal entry schemes.
  • The report cites 422 underage arrests over the past year, claiming the popular ASU-area bar escalated from a “regulatory nuisance” to a “clear and present danger” to the community.
  • The bar’s attorneys have vowed to “vigorously fight” the recommendation, as the bar has already filed a lawsuit against the City of Tempe alleging a targeted smear campaign.

TEMPE, Ariz. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) is recommending that Tempe Tavern’s liquor license immediately be revoked in a 257-page report released on March 9.

The bar, which is popular with Arizona State University students, has undergone a series of high-profile underage drinking raids over the last year, as investigators describe it as a “lethal pattern” of underage drinking.

What we know:

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS