San Francisco Commission reviews security concerns at Adobe Books event venue
February 21, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address safety and compliance concerns regarding Adobe Books, a local bookstore that hosts events. The meeting focused on the need for enhanced security measures following a series of incidents that raised alarms about crowd control and safety during events.
City staff reported that Adobe Books, which operates under a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) permit, had not previously been required to submit a security plan, as their primary business activity is not classified as entertainment. However, due to the nature of their events, which have attracted large crowds, the commission is now considering implementing specific security conditions to ensure public safety.
The discussion highlighted past violations, including issues with crowd management and compliance with the Good Neighbor policy, which mandates keeping sidewalks clear. Staff noted that previous attempts to communicate these concerns to the bookstore's management had met with resistance, particularly from volunteer staff who were unfamiliar with permit conditions.
In response to these challenges, the commission is exploring the introduction of new conditions, such as requiring dedicated security personnel during events and establishing clear entry protocols. The permit holder, Heather Holt, has indicated a willingness to cooperate, having recently hired security for events and taken steps to improve communication with city officials.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to work collaboratively with Adobe Books to enhance safety measures while allowing the business to continue hosting events. The commission emphasized that the hearing was not about revoking the bookstore's permit but rather about ensuring a safe environment for patrons and the surrounding community. Further discussions and potential recommendations for security conditions will follow as the commission seeks to balance public safety with the bookstore's operational needs.
City staff reported that Adobe Books, which operates under a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) permit, had not previously been required to submit a security plan, as their primary business activity is not classified as entertainment. However, due to the nature of their events, which have attracted large crowds, the commission is now considering implementing specific security conditions to ensure public safety.
The discussion highlighted past violations, including issues with crowd management and compliance with the Good Neighbor policy, which mandates keeping sidewalks clear. Staff noted that previous attempts to communicate these concerns to the bookstore's management had met with resistance, particularly from volunteer staff who were unfamiliar with permit conditions.
In response to these challenges, the commission is exploring the introduction of new conditions, such as requiring dedicated security personnel during events and establishing clear entry protocols. The permit holder, Heather Holt, has indicated a willingness to cooperate, having recently hired security for events and taken steps to improve communication with city officials.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to work collaboratively with Adobe Books to enhance safety measures while allowing the business to continue hosting events. The commission emphasized that the hearing was not about revoking the bookstore's permit but rather about ensuring a safe environment for patrons and the surrounding community. Further discussions and potential recommendations for security conditions will follow as the commission seeks to balance public safety with the bookstore's operational needs.
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