Commission hears enforcement report: three venues cited for sound violations

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission received an enforcement update on Nov. 2 showing a spike in complaints tied to venues resuming activity as the city reopens.

Deputy Director Azevedo said enforcement staff logged 94 sound complaints since the commission's last meeting and highlighted three venues of concern. At Edinburgh Castle, inspectors measured levels "7 decibels over" the permitted C-weighted limit and issued a citation after verifying a DJ was operating and that on-site personnel were not familiar with permit conditions. Gestalt also received a citation after an inspector measured sound above its permit limit during a DJ set and found the venue out of compliance with LLP live-entertainment hours.

"Because they were operating over their sound limit and because they didn't have anybody on-site aware of their permit conditions, we did issue them a citation today," Azevedo said of Edinburgh Castle. He told the commission that continued noncompliance could result in escalated enforcement such as reconditioning or suspension of an LLP permit.

The Pearl, another highlighted location, will be inspected and have a sound limit set by measuring at the closest sensitive receptor; staff noted new residents moving into the area since the venue's pre-pandemic operations.

Commissioners and staff also discussed rooftop venues (including SVN West) and the challenges of measuring sound from elevated locations. Azevedo said staff will set site-specific sound limits based on the closest sensitive receptor and will continue outreach and enforcement where necessary.

No formal policy changes were made at the hearing; the update was informational and staff said they will return if further action is required.