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Massive bar raid in Arizona ends with 249 arrests: ‘Underage drinking is not a minor issue!’
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A massive operation targeting underage drinking in Tempe, Arizona, has led to 249 arrests at a single bar last week.
The raid, which took place last Thursday at Tempe Tavern, was the second major police sweep at the bar in just one year. The incident involved underage drinkers who used fake IDs and gave false information, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.
Reports of the repeated violations have raised questions about the bar’s responsibility in serving alcohol to its customers. While sanctions are pending due to the ongoing investigations, the incident could result in license suspension.
“The Arizona Department of Liquor and Tempe PD partnered in a joint operation, resulting in a major liquor law compliance check that led to 249 arrests,” the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (ADLLC) said Friday.
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Crowds of young patrons fill Tempe Tavern in Arizona on Nov. 20, 2025, during a sweep that led to 249 arrests tied to underage drinking. (Tempe Police Department / SWNS)
“This crackdown specifically targeted underage drinking and sent a strong message,” the department added. “Remember to always carry a valid ID and think twice before attempting to purchase alcohol if you are underage. Underage drinking is not a minor issue!!”
Of the 249 arrests, 246 people were cited and released, Fox 10 reported. The remaining individuals were reportedly booked into the Tempe City Jail.
Tempe Tavern told Fox News Digital Tuesday that the establishment is “fully committed to cooperating with all authorities involved,” but declined to comment further “due to the ongoing investigation.”
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Tempe police officers enter Tempe Tavern in Arizona on Nov. 20, 2025. (Tempe Police Department / SWNS)
The ADLLC investigations lieutenant told Fox 10 that the department will only place sanctions, such as a liquor license suspension or fines, after the Tempe Police Department finishes its investigation.
The lieutenant added that the department will take everything into consideration when making a decision, including the fact that a similar police sweep happened at the tavern in April and led to another 167 arrests, the outlet said.
Following the incident, management posted to Facebook stating that neither the bar nor its employees received citations from the liquor board or Tempe police from that prior incident.
State and local law enforcement, including HSI agents, gather outside Tempe Tavern in Arizona during a large-scale operation on Nov. 20, 2025. (Tempe Police Department / SWNS)
Tempe Tavern acknowledged on social media that fake IDs have been a concern and stated that the bar scans every single ID presented at the door before entry, but noted that some fraudulent IDs can still successfully pass a scan and appear authentic.
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“Tempe Tavern complies with the law, which is why neither the bar nor its employees received citations from the liquor board or the Tempe Police Department,” the business said in May.
The Tempe Police Department and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
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Burglars stole thousands of dollars worth of items after ransacking a Sherman Oaks condominium building that was being fumigated. In June, residents of the building on Moorpark Street near Fulton Avenue said they were forced to leave their homes for three days for a planned fumigation. Feeling nervous about leaving the building unattended, residents came […]
Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of continued irritation in his left knee, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday.
Ohtani left a June 11 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to irritation in his left knee, which underwent surgery in 2019 to correct a congenital condition called bipartite patella.
According to ESPN, he has been managing the issue since.
Due to the injury, Ohtani will also not travel to Philadelphia or participate in the 2026 All‑Star Game.
The two-way star will serve as the designated hitter through the weekend, and after the series, “he will have some interventions on his knee to put him in the best position for the second half of the season,” according to the Dodgers.
A woman injured during the chaotic Fourth of July beach takeover in Newport Beach is speaking out as authorities prepare for a similar event that could target nearby Huntington Beach this weekend, as well as an Orange County theme park.
The July 4 gathering in Newport Beach devolved into violence, with fires set, businesses looted and law enforcement officers targeted with explosives.
More than 400 people were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities later said many of those taken into custody had traveled from Arizona and Nevada.
Among the dozens of people injured was Cassandra Torres, a longtime Orange County resident who said she never expected to become a victim while celebrating the holiday in a city she has visited for years.
“It’s horrible. It’s disgusting behavior, and now we’re paying for it,” Torres told KTLA.
Torres said she was riding her e-bike when a large crowd of young people suddenly rushed toward her.
“The next thing I know, I’m waking up with strangers around me, which I’m grateful for all of them, and all I hear is, ‘She got pushed off her bike,’” she recalled.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for multiple injuries, including serious cuts, bruising and a concussion.
“I’ve never seen a hospital that busy in my life,” Torres said. “It was supposed to be a safe, fun day, and it turned into a nightmare.”
As victims continue to recover and investigators sort through the aftermath, law enforcement agencies are now focused on preventing another large-scale disturbance after social media posts promoted a so-called “Beach Bash” in Huntington Beach.
The Huntington Beach Police Department acknowledged the online flyer in a social media post Thursday, writing:
“Dear ‘Beach Bash’ organizers… Thanks for the flyer. We’ve seen it too. We have no intention of allowing that to happen here.”
In a statement to KTLA, the department said it has implemented a comprehensive public safety plan.
“Our comprehensive public safety plan includes increased staffing, proactive enforcement and the deployment of specialized resources throughout the city,” police said. “We are coordinating closely with our regional law enforcement partners and are prepared to respond quickly to any criminal activity.”
Officials also warned that anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages or participates in criminal acts associated with a takeover event could face arrest and prosecution.
Officials at Knott’s Berry Farm said they were also aware of a social media post promoting a teen takeover of the park over the weekend. Buena Park police officials said they plan to have an increased presence at the park.
As for Torres, a GoFundMe has been organized to cover her medical expenses as she continues to recover and follow up with specialists.
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