Tempe, AZ — A large-scale enforcement sweep at a well-known college hangout in Tempe, Arizona, resulted in 249 arrests, marking one of the biggest underage drinking crackdowns the city has seen in recent years.
The operation targeted the Tempe Tavern, a high-traffic bar located near Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive, less than three miles from Arizona State University (ASU).
Underage Drinking Sting Leads to Hundreds of Arrests
Tempe police confirmed that 57 law-enforcement officers—spanning local, state, and federal agencies—worked together during the Thursday crackdown.
According to officials, the overwhelming majority of those detained were young patrons attempting to access the bar while underage.
Out of the 249 total arrests, authorities reported that 246 individuals were cited and released, while three people were booked into the Tempe City Jail for more serious offenses.
Police said they encountered a wide array of violations, including:
- Using fake IDs
- Underage intoxication
- Providing false information to officers
- Other misconduct related to alcohol possession and identity fraud
Officials said the operation was initiated after the bar had become known as a recurring hotspot for underage activity.
Tempe Tavern Already Under Scrutiny
This is not the first time the Tempe Tavern has come under intense law-enforcement focus.
Earlier this year—in April 2024—the venue made viral headlines when a similar crackdown led to 165 citations and eight arrests.
The April bust even sparked backlash and online discussion after a controversial T-shirt design comparing the police operation to the September 11 attacks began circulating among patrons and supporters of the bar.
Given its proximity to ASU, the bar often attracts a young crowd, and police said the establishment has become a repeat location for alcohol-related offenses.
State Regulators Reviewing Possible Penalties
The Arizona Department of Liquor confirmed that the sting was initiated by Tempe Police, who requested assistance to address ongoing underage drinking patterns at the venue.
Regulators say the investigation is still ongoing, and administrative action—which could include fines, license penalties, or mandatory compliance measures—may be pursued once all reports are finalized.
Officials have not yet released details about the identities of those arrested, noting that the majority were cited for misdemeanor-level alcohol violations. No major injuries or violent incidents were associated with the operation.
What Comes Next?
Police say additional stings may occur in the future if businesses continue to serve underage customers or fail to properly check identification. The Tempe Tavern has not released a public statement regarding the latest arrests.
As of now, officials have not provided a breakdown of specific charges nor announced court dates for any of the individuals who were booked during the operation.
Do you believe large-scale stings like this help reduce underage drinking, or do they go too far?
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