Story perspectives

Bar Owner Sues Arizona Over Raids, Cites Rights Violation

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bar owner Robert Tasso filed a February lawsuit in Tempe, alleging city-state liquor officials violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Since the 2025 raids, the tavern’s revenue fell 80-90 percent, with officials saying the raids targeted underage drinking and accounted for 80 percent of minor arrests.
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licensing and Control called the tavern an illegal ‘speakeasy’ for minors and recommended revoking its liquor license.

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Story summary

Bar owner Robert Tasso filed a February lawsuit in Tempe, alleging city-state liquor officials violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Since the 2025 raids, the tavern’s revenue fell 80-90 percent, with officials saying the raids targeted underage drinking and accounted for 80 percent of minor arrests.
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licensing and Control called the tavern an illegal ‘speakeasy’ for minors and recommended revoking its liquor license.