San Francisco orders Union Square Wine and Spirits to cease illegal tobacco sales

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, where several important agenda items were discussed, focusing primarily on public health and regulatory compliance.

The meeting progressed to item number seven, which addressed appeal number 21-1106 concerning Union Square Wine and Spirits located at 522 Sutter Street. This appeal was initiated against the Department of Public Health regarding the illegal sale of tobacco products without a required retail tobacco sales license. The establishment had previously been denied a permanent application for such a permit on December 7, 2020, yet continued to sell tobacco products.

The Director of Public Health issued a series of orders in response to this violation. Firstly, all sales of tobacco products at the establishment must cease immediately. Secondly, department staff are authorized to access the premises, including storage areas, to conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Additionally, the establishment is required to pay an administrative penalty totaling $1,800 for various violations observed on multiple dates throughout 2021. The penalties include $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for each subsequent violation.

Finally, the Director warned that failure to comply with these orders would lead to a referral to the City Attorney's Office, which could result in further legal action or injunctions against the business, along with potential civil and administrative penalties.

This meeting highlighted the city's commitment to enforcing public health regulations and ensuring compliance among local businesses, particularly regarding the sale of tobacco products.