Commission conditionally approves El Rio’s permit amendment to add rear-patio outdoor entertainment

The Entertainment Commission voted Oct. 3 to conditionally amend El Rio’s place-of-entertainment permit to authorize outdoor entertainment on the venue’s rear patio, but staff said the POE will not be issued until the owner completes building-permit requirements with the Department of Building Inspection.

"We are a community serving event space that has been operational for 45 years this month," owner Lynn Angel told commissioners, describing El Rio as a queer-owned venue that hosts hundreds of events a year and raises funds for community causes. She played a short montage and said the patio is central to the venue’s programming.

Staff noted planning had recommended approval of the amendment but that the applicant must file the required building permit with DBI to legalize the use; if conditionally granted, staff will not issue the POE until DBI sign-off. Commissioners also noted El Rio had submitted outreach materials and received 14 letters of support, including from local supervisors referenced in the file.

Public commenters — including a longtime promoter who said her monthly 27-year event relies on the patio — voiced support. The commission voted to grant the amendment with staff conditions and directed the owner to coordinate next steps with Deputy Director Azevedo.

The permit will be issued after the venue completes DBI requirements and satisfies staff conditions noted on the record.