Tempe Tavern, a popular college bar in Tempe, Arizona, is taking legal action against the city. The bar claims it is being unfairly targeted through aggressive police enforcement tactics. The owners allege that this campaign is aimed at driving their business into the ground.
Legal Action Against Selective Targeting
The bar owners assert that they have faced unwarranted scrutiny from law enforcement, particularly during two extensive raids in 2025. The first incident in April resulted in 173 arrests, mostly involving underage patrons. The second raid in November involved nearly 250 arrests, but no liquor or fire code violations were found.
Key Details from the Raids
- April 2025: 173 arrests, 165 cited and released for underage drinking.
- November 2025: 250 arrests, including three bookings in jail.
- Only one misdemeanor citation issued relating to security procedures.
Despite these raids, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licensing and Control reported no illegal alcohol sales associated with Tempe Tavern. The bar was cited once for a customer using an unacceptable form of identification.
Impact of Police Actions
The bar’s troubles intensified when the police linked it to a tragic incident involving a 19-year-old driver implicated in a fatal hit-and-run. The bar owners argue that the driver used a fake ID to enter their establishment but had also attended other events where alcohol was served. They feel the city has unjustly scapegoated them in the aftermath of the incident.
Financial and Reputational Damage
Due to the negative publicity generated by these allegations and associated police actions, Tempe Tavern claims it has suffered a staggering 90% decline in business. The bar owners say their constitutional rights have been violated and are seeking over $9 million in damages for lost revenue and reputational harm.
City’s Response
The City of Tempe has publicly dismissed the tavern’s claims as false. They cited concerns from the community regarding underage drinking and mentioned that nearly 80% of all underage drinking arrests in the city were linked to Tempe Tavern.
| Statistics Summary | April Raid | November Raid |
|---|---|---|
| Total Arrests | 173 | 250 |
| Cited and Released | 165 | 246 |
| Booked into Jail | 8 | 3 |
The City plans to continue defending the safety of the community and protecting young residents attending local schools. The legal battle highlights the tension between local businesses and city enforcement practices amid rising concerns over underage drinking.
