A large underage drinking sting in Tempe, Arizona, led to 249 arrests at a single bar last week, marking one of the largest crackdowns of its kind in the state this year. The operation was carried out at Tempe Tavern on Thursday, the second time in less than a year that this bar has drawn attention from local and state authorities for similar alleged violations.
According to Fox 10 Phoenix, the sweep involved a joint effort between the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) and the Tempe Police Department. Officials say that most of the individuals arrested were underage drinkers who allegedly used fake identification or gave false personal information to gain entry and be served alcohol.
Out of the 249 people arrested, 246 were cited and released on the scene. The remaining individuals were booked into the Tempe City Jail, according to reports.
In a statement released Friday, the ADLLC said, “This crackdown specifically targeted underage drinking and sent a strong message. Remember to always carry a valid ID and think twice before attempting to purchase alcohol if you are underage. Underage drinking is not a minor issue!!”
It happened again — and it matters.
249 arrests in ONE NIGHT at Tempe Tavern. Underage drinking, fake IDs, and giving false information.
These are shocking numbers. We don’t celebrate them. Underage drinking puts people at risk – and that’s why we take it seriously. pic.twitter.com/Ra4p1ZzVB3
— Trumpusa1 (@Trumpusa1A1) November 22, 2025
The agency also confirmed that no official sanctions have been issued yet, as the Tempe Police Department’s investigation is still underway. However, depending on the outcome, the tavern could face fines or even a temporary suspension of its liquor license. These possible penalties are reportedly being evaluated in part because this is the second major enforcement action involving Tempe Tavern in recent months.
Back in April, a similar operation resulted in 167 arrests at the same bar. At the time, the tavern stated that neither it nor its employees received any citations from local police or from the liquor control board. After last week’s incident, the bar posted a similar message on its Facebook page, reiterating that it is cooperating fully with authorities and follows Arizona liquor laws.
Tempe Tavern told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that it is “fully committed to cooperating with all authorities involved,” but said it could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
The bar also addressed concerns about how underage individuals are allegedly managing to get inside. In a previous statement, management explained that they scan all IDs at the door using digital verification systems. However, they acknowledged that some fake IDs are sophisticated enough to pass these scans and appear legitimate.
“Tempe Tavern complies with the law, which is why neither the bar nor its employees received citations from the liquor board or the Tempe Police Department,” the bar said in May, following the first raid.
The ADLLC said that it will review the tavern’s practices once the police investigation is complete before deciding on any penalties. A department lieutenant told Fox 10 that the fact this is the second such incident within a year will be part of the final review.
The Tempe Police Department and ADLLC have not issued any further public comments as of Wednesday. It remains unclear when a decision about sanctions or additional charges, if any, will be made.
Tempe Tavern is located near Arizona State University, where underage drinking has been a longstanding concern for both campus officials and local law enforcement. With the high number of students in the area and bars operating near campus, efforts to prevent illegal alcohol sales and use have increased in recent years.
Officials are continuing to remind young adults that underage drinking not only puts their health at risk but can also lead to lasting legal consequences. They also noted that businesses that serve alcohol must continue to take steps to follow the law and prevent fake ID use — especially in high-traffic areas like Tempe.
