Entertainment commission reports 54 sound complaints and details enforcement at local venues

Deputy Director Azevedo told the San Francisco Entertainment Commission the department received a total of 54 complaints over the three weeks since its last meeting and outlined recent enforcement activity at several venues.

Azevedo described a St. Patrick’s Day inspection at May’s Oyster House on Polk Street in which an inspector measured sound above the venue’s limit, spoke with the DJ and owner, brought levels into compliance and issued a notice of violation. A later complaint about unruly patrons prompted a return visit in which security was observed managing a large line.

On El Capricho, at 2022 Mission Street, Azevedo said staff have a long history of correspondence: the business contacted the office in 2019 about a POE permit but required a conditional-use approval from planning. Although staff say a CU was completed, the owner did not proceed with the POE intake meeting and has since been the subject of three sound complaints. Azevedo said the business told staff it lacked the funds to pursue a POE permit and was considering an LLP permit as a temporary measure; no LLP application has been submitted.

Hawker Fare at 680 Valencia was the subject of multiple complaints alleging loud late-night music. Inspectors helped the manager submit a jam permit application for outdoor space and educated staff about indoor entertainment permitting. On follow-up visits inspectors located an upstairs cocktail lounge where karaoke was occurring; managers told staff they were preparing an LLP application.

Azevedo also reported a compliance issue at Hotel Via, where inspectors measured levels above the permitted limit and found the hotel’s own sound meter underreported low-frequency energy compared with the department’s meter by about 8 to 10 decibels. Azevedo said inspectors concluded the management appeared to be acting in good faith but that the hotel’s equipment was unreliable. The department plans follow-up visits and said it could recommend a check-in hearing or other follow-up if the meter is not replaced or synced with department equipment.

Azevedo said the enforcement team is coordinating with Mission Station and other city contacts on a separate incident at a venue referenced as "26 Mix," and that he and Director Wylen will keep commission leadership apprised as investigations proceed.

Commissioners asked about workload and inspector coverage; Azevedo said staffing has increased and inspections include both scheduled and real-time responses, and he agreed to request timelines from businesses that report they will replace faulty equipment. Several commissioners urged continued outreach to neighbors and recommended a check-in hearing for repeat or unresolved violations if necessary.

The report did not propose new regulations; it outlined ongoing enforcement steps, education and potential follow-up actions by the commission.