Committee moves Polk Street live-performance hour change to full Board with positive recommendation

The committee considered an ordinance introduced from Supervisor Peskin’s office that would amend Police Code §1060 so that limited live performances in the Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District conclude at 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.

Melody Hsu (Supervisor Peskin’s office) said the change would align Polk Street with most other neighborhood commercial districts, give merchants greater flexibility to recover from the pandemic, and allow local businesses to host more live performances. Several in-person speakers and a caller representing local business groups and the Lower Polk/Neighborhood Commercial Benefit District supported the amendment, describing an economic benefit to restaurants and a stronger local nightlife ecosystem.

After public comment, Chair Stephanie moved that the committee forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; Member Dorsey and Chair Stephanie voted aye and the motion passed with no opposition.

Next steps: the ordinance will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors with a positive committee recommendation for consideration at a future Board meeting.