Inspector: Vanity nightclub security failed to notify SFPD after patron with rifle; citation issued

The Entertainment Commission’s senior inspector told commissioners on Aug. 15 that SFPD Central Station reported a serious incident outside Vanity (412 Broadway) on July 30.

According to the inspector’s account, Officer Sang notified Deputy Director Azevedo that security at Vanity observed a patron attempting to enter with a rifle and denied the patron entry but did not notify SFPD or call 911. The same group was later involved in a robbery and an assault in front of Vanity; Officer Sang said the call for service recorded an assault and an ambulance request. Staff said Vanity did not submit an incident report within 24 hours of the assault. The commission’s record shows a citation was issued Aug. 4 for the cited permit violations.

Deputy Director Azevedo told the commission the permittee has agreed immediately to stop working with the promoter associated with the Sunday-night events, and staff required the venue to submit a revised security plan. A director’s order will be issued to ensure adherence to the revised security plan, and staff set a deadline for the revised plan by Friday the 18th. Officer Sang and deputy staff said they will monitor compliance closely.

Commissioners asked whether the venue had a history of police calls; staff said the Sunday promoter had been the recurring problem and that other nights had not shown similar issues. The commission did not take additional enforcement action at the Aug. 15 meeting beyond the citation already issued and the requirement for a revised security plan.