Entertainment commission grants Stud Collective a place‑of‑entertainment permit; commissioner recused

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted March 5 to approve a place‑of‑entertainment (POE) permit for The Stud, a historic worker‑owned LGBTQ nightclub relocating to 1123–1127 Folsom Street.

Rachel Ryan, manager of The Stud, described the venue’s history and outreach efforts to neighbors and said the collective had hosted community meetings and delivered mailed notices. "We're so thrilled to find a new spot with such great nightlife history," Ryan said, noting the venue’s long role in the city’s queer nightlife.

Staff noted outreach produced 13 letters of support and two letters of opposition; one neighbor withdrew opposition after contact with the applicant. Commissioner Davis was recused from the vote due to her affiliation with the Stud Collective; the remaining commissioners voted to approve the permit with standard staff conditions.

A Zoom commenter, Bob Goldfarb of the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, expressed strong support and said the Stud had been a central pillar of the community since 1966. The commission thanked the applicant and reminded the Stud to follow up with staff to meet any remaining operational or inspection requirements before reopening.

Because Commissioner Davis recused herself, the approval vote reflected commissioners present and eligible to vote.