San Francisco Entertainment Commission approves multiple venue permits, hears noise enforcement updates

San Francisco — At a hybrid meeting Sept. 20, 2022, the San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted unanimously to approve a slate of venue permits and heard a series of enforcement and industry updates from staff.

The commission approved a resolution allowing continued hybrid teleconference meetings under California Government Code §54953(e) before turning to business items. Commissioners then voted to adopt minutes from the Aug. 16 meeting.

Executive Director Maggie Weiland reported several administrative items, including emailed commission goals and the launch of an updated entertainment‑industry survey that staff expect to send next week in English, Spanish and Chinese. She also announced a part‑time junior sound inspector job posting that will remain open through Sept. 30 and described staff outreach to working groups. On enforcement, Weiland said staff met with the manager and owner‑representatives of Stratos Nightclub after an aggravated assault with a gun occurred outside the venue on Sept. 4. "We issued a director's order for a revised security plan with several specific added security conditions," Weiland said, and staff imposed a 72‑hour public‑safety suspension that weekend. She said inspectors will revisit the business to check compliance by Sept. 22.

Deputy Director Azevedo detailed enforcement work and 146 complaints logged since the last hearing. Inspectors recommended setting sound limits or issuing citations where businesses were out of compliance, including notices of violation issued to Vico Kevon for exceeding outdoor sound limits and to Adobe Books for leaving a door open during performances. Azevedo also said inspectors found Jolene's operating 18 decibels above its allowed C‑weighted limit during a Sept. 18 response and issued an NOV; staff worked with the DJ to bring levels into compliance on site.

Staff summarized 33 complaints related to two recent large concerts at Oracle Park and said the stadium provides a hotline and neighborhood contact for complainants; staff urged Oracle Park to make that hotline more visible and suggested inviting stadium staff for an update.

Ben Van Houten of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development briefed the commission on state actions affecting nightlife: SB 793 (a proposed music‑venue liquor license) and SB 1116 (a grant program for performing arts payroll), ABC draft regulations on non‑contiguous outdoor alcohol service (public comment and a Nov. 1 hearing), the shared spaces program schedule and small grant programs (design services grants and construction grants up to $5,000; shared spaces equity grants up to $2,500).

Permits and votes

• Aura (limited live performance, Polk Street NCD): After neighbor Dave Doring expressed concerns about ventilation and soundproofing, applicant Sabrina told commissioners she will keep doors closed during entertainment, use air purifiers and follow permit conditions. The commission moved Aura off consent for discussion and then approved the permit unanimously, with the standard Polk Street restriction that entertainment end by 10 p.m.

• NoisePop (NoyesPop jam permit, Oct. 15 block party on Valencia Street): Staff recommended approval with the Good Neighbor Policy, EC inspector‑set sound limits and coordination with nearby jam‑permitted businesses. Julie Zielinski said NoisePop will have three stages, on‑site sound staff, an ambassador to handle neighborhood complaints and a hotline. The commission approved the jam permit unanimously.

• California Jacks (LLP permit, 1548 California St., Polk Street NCD): Manager Brooke Lloyd said the venue will use an in‑house PA controlled by staff, keep windows and doors closed, and has done neighborhood outreach. Commissioners approved the LLP permit unanimously; entertainment in this NCD must end by 10 p.m.

• Dahlia Lounge (POE permit, 1799 Mission St.): Nick Callahan, general manager, said the space has soundproofing from the previous tenant, conducted neighborhood outreach and posted direct contact numbers for neighbors. Staff set a sound limit; the commission approved the POE permit unanimously.

• Candlestick Park (POE permit, 747 Third St., near Oracle Park): Applicant representatives presented outreach and eight letters of support. Staff will apply a sound limit and security conditions; the commission approved the POE permit unanimously.

What it means

Commission staff continue to focus enforcement resources on amplified‑sound complaints and on compliance checks following incidents that raise public‑safety concerns. The approvals reflect staff recommendations including the Good Neighbor Policy, inspector‑set sound limits, and conditions specific to Neighborhood Commercial Districts. Staff also highlighted grant and regulatory developments at the state level that could shape nightlife operations and funding for local arts organizations.

Votes at a glance

• Teleconference resolution (allowing continued remote meetings): Adopted, 5–0.
• Approval of Aug. 16 minutes: Adopted, 5–0.
• Consent agenda (as amended after pulling Aura): Approved, 5–0.
• Aura LLP permit (Polk St., added condition: end by 10 p.m.): Approved, 5–0.
• NoisePop jam permit (Valencia St., Oct. 15, extended amplified hours): Approved, 5–0.
• California Jacks LLP (1548 California St.): Approved, 5–0.
• Dahlia Lounge POE (1799 Mission St.): Approved, 5–0.
• Candlestick Park POE (747 Third St.): Approved, 5–0.

Next steps

Staff said inspectors will follow up on Stratos and other compliance matters, finalize sound limits for newly permitted venues and continue outreach tied to the annual report and shared‑spaces program. The commission adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

(Reporting based on the Sept. 20, 2022 San Francisco Entertainment Commission meeting transcript.)