Commission limits live music at Gestalt after repeated violations

The Entertainment Commission moved on Dec. 20 to recondition the limited live performance (LLP) permit for Gestalt (EC1601, 3159 Sixteenth Street) after hearing staff testimony that the venue had generated numerous complaints and multiple enforcement actions.

Deputy Director Azevedo told the commission that since April 2021 the office had received 79 311 sound complaints related to Gestalt, including 61 complaints after the venue’s LLP permit was granted on July 29, 2021. Staff said inspectors had visited on 45 occasions and found the business in violation 12 times; Gestalt had received two notices of violation and six citations. The most recent citations were issued Oct. 29 (operating past the permitted end time) and Nov. 19 (operating with entertainment at 2:30 a.m.).

Sean Saber, the venue’s manager who said he is negotiating to buy the business, told commissioners he planned to change staff, institute a stricter employee code of conduct and be more present on site. Commissioners pressed Saber and expressed concern that the permit holder, owner Daniel Hawkins, was not at the hearing and said the history showed “flagrant disregard” for permit conditions.

Given the repeated violations and staff time expended on enforcement, President Ben Blime moved to limit live entertainment at Gestalt to Friday and Saturday nights until 10:00 p.m.; the commission voted unanimously to adopt the amendment. Staff said the restriction is intended as a compliance measure while ownership negotiations and other remedies remain possible.

The commission instructed staff to notify the permit holder of the amended conditions and to return with compliance updates. Commissioners said more severe enforcement options, including revocation, remain available if violations continue.