Entertainment Commission reports 64 sound complaints; inspectors target repeat venues

Deputy Director Azevedo reported to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission on March 15 that the department logged 64 sound complaints since the last meeting and is intensifying enforcement at repeat locations. She said inspectors have engaged business owners, issued at least one notice of violation and are scheduling additional sound tests and inspections.

The memo highlighted specific cases. Azevedo said Amsterdam Cafe has continued to host entertainment without a permit; staff have contacted the owner through counsel and will send an inspector during weekday hours to verify compliance. Jolene’s, at 2700 Sixteenth Street, received a notice of violation after inspectors recorded DJ volume above the approved limit on Feb. 26; staff observed an un-spring-loaded front door that contributes to sound leakage and recommended installing a self-closing door and retesting the system. At DecoDance, staff found the venue’s sound meter out of sync with the city meter; inspectors synced the devices and reminded staff to keep windows and doors closed during events to reduce escapes of amplified sound.

Azevedo also described follow-up on a reported incident near 26 Mix. She said SFPD Officer Ortiz is investigating possible events on March 5, March 9 and potentially March 11; staff are coordinating with SFPD to obtain surveillance video and will consider scheduling a reconditioning hearing if investigators substantiate a venue-related incident.

Commissioners pressed for timely updates — Commissioner (unnamed) asked whether staff would clarify dates and obtain surveillance; Azevedo replied she is in close contact with Officer Ortiz and will escalate to the executive director and president if the matter warrants further action. Commissioners welcomed the stepped-up inspections and noted that as venues reopen, roof-deck monitoring and reconfigured speaker systems (notably at Hotel Via) may trigger additional required sound tests.

The commission took no formal vote on enforcement items; Azevedo said staff will share enforcement reports and follow-up actions in the commission’s virtual folder and on the next agenda if needed.