Supervisor Mar’s committee backs TrueSake’s liquor‑license transfer at Hayes Valley

Supervisor Gordon Mar, chair of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee, moved on Sept. 22 to direct the clerk to prepare a resolution finding that a proposed transfer of a type 20 off‑sale beer and wine license with an additional type 86 instructional‑tasting endorsement for a business at 556 Hayes Street will serve the public convenience and necessity, and to forward that resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Officer Salmonson, the SFPD Alcoholic Beverage Control liaison, told the committee he had received “0 letters of protest, 0 letters of support,” said the location is in Plot 558 (described in the report as high crime) and Census Tract 162 (high saturation), and that Northern Station had no opposition. Salmonson said the liaison unit recommended approval with one condition: “that the petitioner shall actively monitor the area under their control in an effort to prevent loitering of persons on any [licensed] premise as depicted on ABC 253 form.”

Beau Timken, who identified himself as the owner of TrueSake, said the business began 20 years ago and is expanding into adjacent space. “I opened the first dedicated sake store outside of Japan, 20 years ago,” Timken said, adding the move is intended to give customers and employees more room.

Madam Clerk called for public comment; none was received. On roll call Vice Chair Katherine Stephanie voted aye; Member Myrna Melgar was absent; Chair Mar voted aye. The committee recorded the outcome as a positive recommendation and will send the resolution to the full Board.

The committee’s action was procedural and non‑final: the committee directed staff to prepare the resolution and forward it. The clerk noted these committee actions are expected to appear on the full Board agenda on Oct. 18, 2022. The committee also recorded that the approval recommendation includes the ABC‑recommended loitering‑prevention condition.