Tempe’s drink-spiking ordinance is now in effect as Safe Bars rollout continues

Tempe’s drink-spiking prevention ordinance took effect Aug. 1, moving the city from council approval into implementation while the Tempe Safe Bars program is developed during August.

The ordinance amended Tempe City Code provisions related to drink-spiking prevention. It is not a new proposal before the Tempe City Council.

Which Tempe businesses are covered

The requirements apply to businesses with a Series 6 or Series 12 liquor license that serve alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. at least three times per month, according to KTAR’s reporting. The city has not said that every Tempe bar, restaurant or venue is covered.

KTAR reported that about 70 Tempe bars and clubs could be affected. Covered establishments must keep drink-spiking test kits available for customers, post notices informing patrons that the kits are available and ensure the kits have not expired. The report also said establishments must keep at least 10 unexpired, lab-certified kits on hand and post signage in restrooms.

Businesses may sell the kits under the ordinance’s pricing rules, including a limited markup. Patrons at covered establishments can ask staff about the kits and look for the required notices, but the city’s broader rollout remains in progress and individual businesses may not yet have completed optional program steps.

Safe Bars certification is optional

Tempe is working with local businesses and community partners on the Tempe Safe Bars program, with the city targeting an August 2026 rollout. The program is intended to make drink-spiking prevention information and safety tools more visible in Tempe’s nightlife economy.

Safe Bars certification is separate from the ordinance’s mandatory requirements. KTAR reported that qualifying businesses seeking certification could receive additional safety tools or staff training, along with a possible rebate on licensing fees. Participation in the certification program is optional; the ordinance’s kit, notice and expiration-date requirements are not.

How the ordinance reached implementation

Tempe City Council’s Feb. 5 agenda listed Ordinance O2026.05 for a second and final public hearing. The item described amendments to Tempe City Code Chapter 16, Sections 26.70 and 26.71, adding requirements related to drink-spiking prevention. The agenda said the first public hearing had been held Jan. 22.

KJZZ reported that the measure included business requirements, access to test kits and community education provisions, with implementation planned for August. KTAR separately reported the Aug. 1 effective date and the late-night liquor-license criteria.

For people going out late in Tempe, the practical change is that qualifying establishments should provide visible information about available kits and keep required kits within their expiration dates. The city’s Safe Bars rollout is still being carried out, so certification and other voluntary program features may vary by establishment.

Sources

• City of Tempe — Drink Spiking Prevention and Education
• Tempe City Council — February 5, 2026 regular meeting agenda
• KTAR — Tempe adopts drink spiking prevention ordinance
• KJZZ — Tempe passes drink spiking ordinance