Massive Underage Drinking Bust in Tempe Results in 249 Arrests
A significant police operation targeting underage drinking in Tempe, Arizona, culminated in the arrest of 249 individuals at a local bar last week. The raid, which occurred at Tempe Tavern, has reignited discussions around alcohol service regulations and accountability within the establishment.
Key Points / What’s New
- The police operation resulted in 249 arrests at Tempe Tavern, with many using fake identification.
- This incident marks the second major enforcement action at the bar within a year, raising concerns regarding its compliance with alcohol laws.
- Authorities are considering sanctions, including possible license suspension, pending further investigation.
Main Story Details
On Thursday, a coordinated effort by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) and the Tempe Police Department led to the arrests during a compliance check at the tavern. The operation specifically targeted underage patrons attempting to purchase alcohol using fraudulent IDs.
ADLLC confirmed that 246 of those arrested were issued citations and subsequently released, while a few individuals were taken to Tempe City Jail. The Tempe Police Department underscored the importance of valid identification, emphasizing that underage drinking is not a trivial matter.
In light of the recent enforcement action, Tempe Tavern expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation but refrained from making further comments. Previous reports indicated that the tavern had not faced penalties following a similar operation just months earlier, which saw another 167 arrests.
The lieutenant involved in the ADLLC investigations noted that sanctions could be implemented once the full scope of the event is understood. Factors such as the tavern’s prior offenses are expected to contribute to any forthcoming decisions regarding its liquor license.
Background
The recent enforcement follows a previous police sweep at Tempe Tavern in April, which also aimed to curb underage drinking issues in the area. The establishment has a history of scrutiny concerning its procedures for verifying guests’ ages. Although management asserts that they scan all IDs presented to them, they highlighted that some counterfeit identification can still successfully bypass their systems.
As investigations continue, community members and local authorities alike are calling for increased vigilance concerning underage alcohol consumption and the responsibilities of venues serving alcohol.
