Drink spiking is when someone adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge. It’s a serious and often underreported problem nationwide, and Tempe is taking proactive steps to address it locally.

While Tempe isn’t seeing more incidents than other cities, these trends show why it’s important to act early and work together to keep nightlife fun, safe and welcoming for everyone.

An educational event will be held at Outlaw Distillery, 2125 E. 5^th Street in Tempe on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will be able to try different lid options and learn more about drink spiking before the Dec. 10 public meeting. 

"Safety in Tempe isn’t just talk—it’s action," said Tempe Councilmember Randy Keating in a statement. "We’re taking common-sense steps to ensure anyone coming to enjoy Tempe's nightlife will know a culture of safety is our primary concern."

Tempe’s nightlife—from Mill Avenue to local breweries and live-music spots—is a defining part of who we are. As our community grows, so does our shared responsibility to make sure everyone feels safe when they go out.

Cities in California and Nashville, Tennessee, have enacted ordinances that require lids and educate the public about drink spiking.

Through the Tempe Council’s Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Subcommittee, led by Tempe Councilmember Randy Keating, Tempe is exploring an ordinance that would help prevent drink spiking, promote public education and strengthen safety in Tempe’s nightlife scene. If adopted, it would be the first ordinance of its kind in Arizona.

The Subcommittee is exploring a potential ordinance that could:

• Make drink-spiking test kits available in bars and nightclubs
• Let venues sell kits at cost or offer them for free
• Encourage or require bars to offer drink lids or covers
• Provide incentives for venues that go above and beyond
• Require simple signage so patrons know kits are available

These ideas are still in the discussion stage. The community’s input will help shape what moves forward. To learn more visit Tempe leads proactive effort to prevent drink spiking