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Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

Is Tempe requiring bars to make drink-spiking tests available?

Mia Osmonbekov, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting
yes

Yes. The Tempe City Council unanimously approved an ordinance requiring certain restaurants and bars to sell drink-testing kits. 

Under the measure, businesses with Series 6 or Series 12 liquor licenses that serve alcohol more than three days per month between midnight and 2 a.m. must stock at least 10 kits at the start of each business day.  Series 6 licenses allow bars to sell alcohol for on-site consumption, while Series 12 licenses cover restaurants. 

City officials said the policy aims to encourage people to report drink-spiking incidents after a 2024 study found that 90% of suspected cases go unreported. The ordinance states that prompt reporting to law enforcement or other authorities is critical to combating drink-spiking.

Chandler, Phoenix and Mesa are considering similar measures. 

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