Tempe may adopt first Arizona law to stop drink spiking

• Danya Sherman, executive director of anti-drink-spiking advocacy group KnoMore, told Axios that about 90% of incidents go unreported.

State of play: Tempe City Council member Randy Keating told Axios the proposed ordinance, which isn't yet finalized, would focus on both detection and prevention.

• Bars would have to offer drink testing kits to patrons and could sell them for up to 120% of the purchase cost. Keating said they're about $5 each.
• Bars that hand them out for free, along with drink covers to block spiking, could get rebates on their liquor license fees.
• Drink covers wouldn't be mandatory but would be required for a rebate.

Zoom in: Keating said the city estimates about 130 businesses in Tempe would be subject to the new requirements.

• To be in full compliance, businesses could expect $400 in associated costs, though the price tag would vary by type of bar. Keating anticipates the rebates would cover the full costs.

Catch up quick: The Tempe City Council created a Drink Spiking Education and Prevention Council Subcommittee after KnoMore brought the issue to the city's attention earlier this year.

• Sherman told Axios that her group is active across the country and its goal is to reach communities with major nightlife presences.

What's next: Stakeholders and the public will have two weeks to share feedback with the city, Keating said.

• After the subcommittee's Dec. 10 meeting, it will review that input and decide next steps.
• Keating hopes for a final vote in early 2026 — and that other Arizona cities will follow suit.

What he's saying: "We want to create a culture of safety here in Tempe," Keating said.

The intrigue: So far, Keating said, he hasn't gotten much pushback from bar owners or others.

• He acknowledged concerns that the ordinance could make it seem like Tempe has a particularly big drink-spiking problem.
• But it's a problem everywhere "and it's just not really in the public eye," Keating said.

Zoom out: A 2024 California law requires bars to provide lids and testing kits for drinks.

• Massachusetts lawmakers are considering anti-spiking legislation that would require the sale of test strips at venues.