In a significant law-enforcement operation, police arrested 249 people at a single bar in Tempe, Arizona, on November 20, 2025. The sweep targeted underage drinking, use of fake IDs, and false information provided to officers. Most of those detained were cited and released, but three remain behind bars, marking yet another major crackdown at the same venue this year.
What Happened: A Single Night, Hundreds Arrested
Law enforcement from multiple units — including patrol, night traffic, liquor-control, and specialized squads — descended on Tempe Tavern after persistent community complaints about underage drinking.
Over the course of the raid, officers detained 249 patrons for offenses such as underage intoxication, possession of bogus IDs, and providing false personal information.
Most of those arrested — 246 individuals — were issued citations and released, while three were taken into custody at a local jail.
History of Violations: This Isn’t the First Sweep
This is the second major crackdown at the same bar in 2025. A previous operation in April resulted in 173 arrests on similar charges.
The repeated infractions have prompted authorities to scrutinize not only patrons but also the bar’s compliance with liquor licensing laws. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) is reviewing potential administrative violations, which could lead to suspension or revocation of the bar’s license.
Bar officials claim they scan every ID at the entrance, but acknowledge that some fake IDs may still bypass detection.
Wider Implications: What This Raid Signals
Pending ADLLC decisions may set a precedent affecting other establishments under scrutiny.
The large scale of arrests signals a strict, no-tolerance approach toward underage drinking and fake-ID use in Arizona.
Repeated compliance failures at the same bar raise serious questions about whether license holders are doing enough to verify patrons’ age.
