Overview
- The proposal would require bars and clubs to stock rapid drink-spiking test kits, offer drink covers such as Nightcaps, and post signage, with businesses allowed to sell or give the tools away.
- If adopted, it would be the first ordinance of its kind in Arizona focused on making detection and prevention tools available in nightlife venues.
- A Good Samaritan provision is planned to encourage reporting by protecting underage victims or witnesses who contact Tempe police about suspected spiking.
- Tempe is working with test-kit maker Knope and has secured a grant to provide the initial round of supplies at no cost, with demonstrations showing roughly one-minute results for a 12-drug panel.
- Tempe police recorded 23 drink-spiking reports in 2024 and estimate heavy underreporting, with a council vote targeted by late January, an Aug. 1 effective date if approved, and a public meeting set for Dec. 10 at the Tempe Public Library.