Clift/Royal Sonesta permitted to resume entertainment in Redwood Room and Applegarth

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission granted a place-of-entertainment permit for the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, approving entertainment (live and prerecorded) in the Redwood Room and adjoining event space and recommending staff follow-up under the Good Neighbor Policy.

Patrick Sterling, director of food and beverage for the Clift, described the hotel's recent restoration after Royal Sonesta's purchase and a roughly $100,000,000 investment in renovations. Sterling said the venue will program small bands, DJs and piano players and has reached out to surrounding businesses and neighbors; staff reported several letters of support and no submitted opposition. Police recommended approval without added conditions and staff recommended approval with the Good Neighbor Policy.

Commissioners questioned operational hours and spoke positively about the restoration and local benefit to nightlife. The permit was moved, seconded and approved on a roll-call vote; commissioners encouraged the permittee to follow up with deputy staff for next steps and to continue neighbor outreach.