Entertainment Commission approves multiple venue permits; several applications continued
July 18, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on July 18 approved a slate of entertainment and amplified‑sound permits and accepted continuances for applications needing further outreach.
The commission voted to approve the Foundry's application to convert its LLP to a place of entertainment permit for 1425 Folsom Street, which would allow the venue to continue its mix of private and public events with an extended 2 a.m. end time. Owner Alan Aronoff described the Foundry as an all‑ages community and arts space and told commissioners the applicant conducted outreach to 18 neighbors and received one written letter of support.
The commission also approved an outdoor LP permit for the Crossing at East Cut (250 Main Street). Operations manager Garrick Mitcheller said the site—an activated former bus terminal now used for farmers markets, sports courts, food vendors and community events—will use speakers oriented away from residential towers and limit live entertainment to four hours per day. Staff reported extensive outreach and multiple residents and East Cut users testified in support.
Bacchus Wine and Parklet (1954 Hyde Street) received approval for a fixed amplified‑sound permit to play ambient music for patrons; manager Bahman Safari said the parklet speakers will serve customers and the business conducted outreach to nearby residences. The commission approved Neon (1974 Union Street) for an LLP to host small live acts, comedy and neighborhood programming; owner Teddy Kramer said outreach returned 65 letters of support.
Microblack (2323 Market Street) requested a continuance to the August 1 hearing after staff received allegations the building owner may not approve ongoing entertainment; commissioners granted the continuance to allow additional neighborhood outreach. Multiple residents and community members spoke in favor of Microblack during the public‑comment period.
For each approved permit, commissioners moved and voted with staff recommendations; public comment was taken where requested. Commissioners reminded permit holders to follow good‑neighbor practices, to coordinate with SFPD calendaring conditions when applicable and to follow any permit‑specific monitoring conditions set by senior sound inspectors.
The commission asked staff to continue providing guidance to applicants on outreach best practices and to track compliance closely after permits take effect.
Votes at a glance
- Minutes for June 20, 2023: approved (unanimous).
- Consent agenda: approved; Kickback application continued for lack of outreach.
- Foundry (1425 Folsom) POE: approved (motion and vote recorded).
- Crossing at East Cut (250 Main) outdoor LP: approved.
- Bacchus (1954 Hyde) fixed amplified sound: approved.
- Neon (1974 Union) LLP: approved.
- Microblack (2323 Market): continued to Aug. 1 for additional outreach.
Commission staff reminded newly permitted venues to follow permit conditions and coordinate follow‑up with department staff.
The commission voted to approve the Foundry's application to convert its LLP to a place of entertainment permit for 1425 Folsom Street, which would allow the venue to continue its mix of private and public events with an extended 2 a.m. end time. Owner Alan Aronoff described the Foundry as an all‑ages community and arts space and told commissioners the applicant conducted outreach to 18 neighbors and received one written letter of support.
The commission also approved an outdoor LP permit for the Crossing at East Cut (250 Main Street). Operations manager Garrick Mitcheller said the site—an activated former bus terminal now used for farmers markets, sports courts, food vendors and community events—will use speakers oriented away from residential towers and limit live entertainment to four hours per day. Staff reported extensive outreach and multiple residents and East Cut users testified in support.
Bacchus Wine and Parklet (1954 Hyde Street) received approval for a fixed amplified‑sound permit to play ambient music for patrons; manager Bahman Safari said the parklet speakers will serve customers and the business conducted outreach to nearby residences. The commission approved Neon (1974 Union Street) for an LLP to host small live acts, comedy and neighborhood programming; owner Teddy Kramer said outreach returned 65 letters of support.
Microblack (2323 Market Street) requested a continuance to the August 1 hearing after staff received allegations the building owner may not approve ongoing entertainment; commissioners granted the continuance to allow additional neighborhood outreach. Multiple residents and community members spoke in favor of Microblack during the public‑comment period.
For each approved permit, commissioners moved and voted with staff recommendations; public comment was taken where requested. Commissioners reminded permit holders to follow good‑neighbor practices, to coordinate with SFPD calendaring conditions when applicable and to follow any permit‑specific monitoring conditions set by senior sound inspectors.
The commission asked staff to continue providing guidance to applicants on outreach best practices and to track compliance closely after permits take effect.
Votes at a glance
- Minutes for June 20, 2023: approved (unanimous).
- Consent agenda: approved; Kickback application continued for lack of outreach.
- Foundry (1425 Folsom) POE: approved (motion and vote recorded).
- Crossing at East Cut (250 Main) outdoor LP: approved.
- Bacchus (1954 Hyde) fixed amplified sound: approved.
- Neon (1974 Union) LLP: approved.
- Microblack (2323 Market): continued to Aug. 1 for additional outreach.
Commission staff reminded newly permitted venues to follow permit conditions and coordinate follow‑up with department staff.
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