Mix amends POE permit for outdoor amplified music hours in response to noise complaints

Outdoor amplified sound took center stage at the recent San Francisco government meeting, as the Mix restaurant sought to amend its existing permit to include outdoor prerecorded music on its back patio. The establishment has been playing outdoor music since it received its permit for indoor entertainment in February 2006, but was operating without a permit for outdoor sound due to previous regulations.

The Mix is now requesting permission to play outdoor prerecorded music from Sunday to Wednesday until 11 PM, and Thursday to Saturday until 1 AM. This request comes after the city received 16 sound complaints about the back patio in 2022, with all but one submitted anonymously.

In response to these complaints, Senior Sound Inspector Savrina set a new outdoor sound limit for the Mix's patio, which is lower than the previous operating level and conservatively aligned with local regulations. This limit was measured at 50 feet from the patio, a decision made to protect nearby sensitive receptors, rather than the standard 250 feet.

Since the new sound limit was established, only one complaint has been reported, and inspections confirmed that the Mix has been compliant with the outdoor sound regulations. This amendment could pave the way for a more harmonious relationship between the business and the surrounding community, while allowing the Mix to enhance its outdoor entertainment offerings.