September 9, 2020

Dr. Cara Christ, Director
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Dr. Christ:
I am writing to bring to your attention several instances of potential violation of Arizona state
guidelines for the reopening and operation of restaurants which serve alcohol. Reports regarding
three of these infractions, which occurred on Saturday, September 5, have already been filed with
your Department using the on-line complaint system your Department has established (see
Attachment A). I am attaching additional information regarding four apparent violations that occurred
on Sunday, September 6. Three of the restaurants were repeat offenders (see Attachment B).
I wanted to bring them to your personal attention because of the importance of the enforcement of
the rules for the reopening and operation of restaurants which serve alcohol during this time of
global pandemic. The violations which are described in the attachments to this email all occurred at
restaurants on Mill Avenue in Tempe and represent the kind of undisciplined and risky activity which,
if not properly addressed in a timely manner, could worsen COVID-19 spread among the ASU
community and in the larger community surrounding the Tempe campus.
While I understand it may be difficult for restaurants to control the behavior of their customers, it is
imperative that the ownership and staff of these restaurants speak up and make an effort to do
so. There were many other examples of other restaurants on Mill Avenue taking thoughtful and
proactive action to abide by the rules and these restaurants can serve as role models for how we
can all work together to manage COVID-19 spread.
Please note that I have copied your colleague, Mr. John Cocca, Director of the Arizona Department
of Liquor Licenses and Control, as I understand that his Department is responsible, in partnership
with Arizona municipalities, for oversight of compliance with the liquor licenses granted to
restaurants which have been allowed to reopen and operate. If you have any questions about this
matter, please do not hesitate to contact James O’Brien, ASU Senior Vice-President of University
Affairs. He and the ASU team will be pleased to assist you with this matter as well as continued
enforcement of the rules by which all restaurants that serve alcohol are expected to abide.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. We look forward to hearing from your office.
Sincerely,

Michael M. Crow
President
Attachments (2)

cc:

John Cocca, Director, Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control