San Francisco considers liquor license for The Lost Church at Chestnut Street

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on a significant hearing regarding the issuance of a special on-sale general theater liquor license for The Lost Church, located at 65665 Chestnut Street in District 3. This license, if approved, would allow the venue to serve alcohol during performances, contributing to the local arts scene.

During the meeting, Officer Summinson presented the Alcoholic Beverage License Unit (ALU) report, noting that there were no letters of protest or support from the public regarding the application. The area is classified as high crime and high saturation, but Central Station reported no opposition to the license. The ALU recommended approval of the license with specific conditions aimed at ensuring community safety and compliance. These conditions include monitoring the area to prevent loitering, prohibiting off-sale alcohol consumption, and ensuring that noise levels do not disturb nearby residents.

Brett Klein, the executive director and co-founder of The Lost Church, addressed the committee, sharing the venue's history and its evolution from small performances in a living room to a recognized arts space. The meeting allowed for public comment, encouraging community engagement in the decision-making process.

The outcome of this hearing could have implications for the local arts community and the management of alcohol sales in high-density areas. The committee's decision will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the license.