Committee forwards Castro Theatre, The Lab and Domain SF liquor‑license recommendations to full Board

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted May 9 to send three Public Convenience and Necessity (PCN) determinations to the full Board of Supervisors with positive recommendations.

The committee recommended the Board consider issuing a Type 90 on‑sale general music venue liquor license to Ape SF LLC, which operates as Another Planet Entertainment at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. Officer Jonas of the ABC liaison unit reported 0 letters of protest or support and characterized the site as Plot 418A in a high‑crime area; ABC recommended approval with conditions limiting audible noise beyond the licensee’s controlled area, active monitoring to prevent loitering adjacent to the premises, and maintenance of adjacent litter control. Dan Surratt, vice president of business affairs at Another Planet Entertainment, told supervisors that a permanent liquor license would replace a patchwork of event authorizations, allow consistent RBS‑certified staff and help the 101‑year‑old venue meet modern safety standards. Local advocate Ralph Hibbs, treasurer of the Castro Community Benefit District, urged approval, saying destination events would bring visitors who support nearby restaurants, galleries and bars.

The committee also recommended approval of a Type 64 special on‑sale general theater license for Lab SF at 2948 16th Street. Officer Jonas again reported no letters of protest or support; Andrew Smith, The Lab’s executive director, said the nonprofit sought the license both to serve patrons who want a beverage at performances and to generate revenue after the building’s sale and a projected rent rise.

Finally, the committee recommended forwarding a Type 42 on‑sale beer and wine license for Domain SF at 2331 Third Street. Officer Jonas noted 0 letters of protest and described that location as in a lower‑crime plot.

Each of the three motions was introduced by Chair Supervisor Catherine Stephanie and passed on voice vote (Member Melgar aye; Member Dorsey aye; Chair Stephanie aye) with Vice Chair Joel Engadio excused, and will be considered by the full Board at a later date.

The ABC liaison unit’s recommended conditions — standard across the three items — include prohibitions on noise audible beyond the premises (except where otherwise specified), a petitioner obligation to actively discourage loitering on adjacent property, and maintenance of litter‑free areas adjacent to licensed premises.