Tempe Requires Bars and Restaurants to Offer Drink Spiking Test Kits

New city ordinance aims to combat drink spiking incidents in the area.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Tempe, Arizona has passed a new law requiring any bar or restaurant that serves alcohol past midnight to have drink spiking test kits available for customers to use. The establishments must also post signs indicating the availability of the kits. The goal is to send a clear message that drink spiking will not be tolerated in Tempe.

Why it matters

Drink spiking, where substances are secretly added to someone's drink, is a serious issue that can lead to sexual assault, robbery, and other crimes. By making test kits readily available, Tempe hopes to deter would-be offenders and empower patrons to check their drinks for safety.

The details

The new ordinance gives bars and restaurants a few months to comply by the August 1st effective date. The city is working with nonprofit partners to supply the establishments with an initial 50 test kits each. Tempe is also designing signage for the businesses to post about the new requirements. Neighboring cities like Chandler and Phoenix are exploring similar drink spiking prevention policies.

  • The new ordinance takes effect on August 1, 2026.
  • Bars and restaurants have a few months to comply with the new requirements.

The players

Tempe City Council

The city government of Tempe, Arizona that passed the new ordinance requiring bars and restaurants to offer drink spiking test kits.

Councilman Randy Keating

The Tempe city council member who proposed the plan, stating it sends a clear message that drink spiking will not be tolerated in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you're the kind of person that's going to go out and spike somebody's drink and you know that this is something Tempe is actively enforcing and taking seriously, you're probably not going to try that c*** in our city.”

— Councilman Randy Keating, Tempe City Council Member (azfamily.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new ordinance in Tempe highlights a proactive approach to combating the serious issue of drink spiking, empowering patrons and sending a strong message that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Other cities may follow Tempe's lead in implementing similar policies to protect public safety.