Committee recommends theater liquor license for nonprofit venue The Lost Church
June 09, 2022 | San Francisco County, California
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The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted unanimously on June 9 to send a resolution to the full Board recommending approval of a Type 64 special on‑sale general (theater) liquor license for lostchurch.org Inc, dba The Lost Church, at its North Beach location.
Officer Salmonson reported the ALU review found zero letters of protest or support, that the site is in a parcel and census tract the department designates as high crime and high saturation, and that Central Station had no opposition. ALU recommended approval with conditions including active monitoring of the area under the licensee’s control, prohibition of off‑sale consumption, and ensuring no noise is audible at nearby residences.
Brett Klein, executive director and co‑founder, described The Lost Church as a nonprofit theater serving small, seated performances (25–50 people) and said modest alcohol service supports artist payments and the venue’s operations. “We don’t serve very much booze or alcohol or anything like that. We are very much a nonprofit theater,” Klein said, adding the venue will hire additional staff to maintain safety and cleanliness at the Columbus Street location.
Public commenters called in in support of the license. Amy Campbell, a longtime patron and donor, said she had not seen over‑service at the venue and called it a “homey community arts venue.” Several other callers, including a board member and performers, described the venue as a rare small‑space resource for artists and urged approval so the nonprofit can remain financially viable.
Chair Gordon Marr moved to direct the clerk to prepare a resolution finding the license serves the public convenience and necessity and to send it to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The Committee voted 3–0 (Stephanie: aye; Melgar: aye; Marr: aye). The item will be transmitted to the Board for consideration; items acted upon at this meeting were noted as expected to appear on the Board’s June 28 agenda.
Officer Salmonson reported the ALU review found zero letters of protest or support, that the site is in a parcel and census tract the department designates as high crime and high saturation, and that Central Station had no opposition. ALU recommended approval with conditions including active monitoring of the area under the licensee’s control, prohibition of off‑sale consumption, and ensuring no noise is audible at nearby residences.
Brett Klein, executive director and co‑founder, described The Lost Church as a nonprofit theater serving small, seated performances (25–50 people) and said modest alcohol service supports artist payments and the venue’s operations. “We don’t serve very much booze or alcohol or anything like that. We are very much a nonprofit theater,” Klein said, adding the venue will hire additional staff to maintain safety and cleanliness at the Columbus Street location.
Public commenters called in in support of the license. Amy Campbell, a longtime patron and donor, said she had not seen over‑service at the venue and called it a “homey community arts venue.” Several other callers, including a board member and performers, described the venue as a rare small‑space resource for artists and urged approval so the nonprofit can remain financially viable.
Chair Gordon Marr moved to direct the clerk to prepare a resolution finding the license serves the public convenience and necessity and to send it to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The Committee voted 3–0 (Stephanie: aye; Melgar: aye; Marr: aye). The item will be transmitted to the Board for consideration; items acted upon at this meeting were noted as expected to appear on the Board’s June 28 agenda.
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