San Francisco committee approves liquor licenses for Bottles and Bytes and Club Deluxe

In a bustling San Francisco City Hall, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee convened on June 12, 2025, under the leadership of Vice Chair Bilal Mahmood. With Chair Dorsey absent due to a concurrent budget meeting, the committee focused on two significant liquor license applications that could reshape local nightlife and community engagement.

The first item on the agenda was a proposal for a Type 21 off-sale liquor license for Bottles and Bytes LLC, located at 1799 Union Street. Officer Natalie Volitaro Crane from the San Francisco Police Department presented the case, highlighting that the establishment is situated in a high-crime area, which raised concerns among local residents. Despite two letters of protest, the committee expressed a willingness to support the application, especially after the applicant agreed to a 10 PM cutoff time for alcohol sales, addressing community concerns. The committee unanimously voted to recommend approval, emphasizing the potential benefits to public convenience and necessity.

Next, the committee turned its attention to the beloved Club Deluxe, a cultural landmark in the Haight-Ashbury district. The application for a Type 90 on-sale general music venue liquor license was met with enthusiasm from committee members, particularly Supervisor Mahmood, who underscored the venue's importance as a gathering place for musicians and neighbors alike. The club's closure in 2023 had left a void in the community, and its reopening was seen as a vital step towards revitalizing local arts and culture. With no opposition and a strong recommendation from the Alcoholic Beverage Control unit, the committee swiftly moved to support the application, ensuring that Club Deluxe could reclaim its role as a vibrant hub for live music.

As the meeting concluded, the committee's decisions reflected a commitment to balancing community concerns with the desire to foster local businesses and cultural institutions. The recommendations will now proceed to the full Board of Supervisors for final approval, marking a hopeful step forward for San Francisco's nightlife and community spirit.