City of Tempe rejects Tempe Tavern claimsdetail

Tempe Police Department received multiple complaints from the community regarding underage drinking at the bar, located along Apache Boulevard in Tempe. Subsequent police investigations resulted in hundreds of arrests related to underaged drinking. Investigators also learned that an underaged woman involved in a vehicle accident involving a fatality was present at Tempe Tavern on the evening of the crash.

Over a two-year period, Tempe Police arrested and cited 530 underage customers for providing fake IDs or underage drinking at bars citywide. About 420 of those arrests - just under 80 percent - occurred at Tempe Tavern. This establishment's actions and continued blatant disregard for the law and public safety speak for themselves.

The notice of claim estimates damages in lost business and "reputational harm" of more than $9 million. The City forcefully rejects this claim as absurd. The City of Tempe and the Tempe Police Department will continue to stand up for the safety of our community and the young people who live and go to school here.