The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a significant appeal regarding a tobacco sales permit for The Jug Shop, a legacy business in the city. The meeting began with procedural updates, followed by a motion from Commissioner Eppler to deny a previous request based on the timeliness of an appeal, which passed unanimously.

The primary focus of the meeting was the appeal from Michael Priolo, owner of The Jug Shop, who sought to overturn a denial from the Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding a retail tobacco sales permit at their new location, 1648 Pacific Avenue. Priolo detailed the challenges faced by his business, which had been displaced from its original location due to a large development project during the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that the denial of the tobacco permit was detrimental to their revenue and expressed hope for a favorable ruling.

Commissioners engaged in a thorough discussion, questioning both Priolo and DPH representatives about the circumstances surrounding the permit denial. DPH's Larry Kessler explained that the denial was based on health code restrictions, noting that the new location had never held a tobacco permit and that there were already numerous tobacco retailers in the area. He emphasized that the health code prevents issuing permits at locations without a prior tobacco sales history.

Commissioners expressed empathy for Priolo's situation, recognizing the inequity of the outcome given the circumstances of the business's relocation. They discussed the potential for legislative changes to address such situations in the future, highlighting the need for better communication and guidance for small businesses navigating permit processes.

As the meeting progressed, Commissioner Lundberg proposed a motion to grant the appeal, citing the inequitable nature of the permit denial. This motion sparked further discussion about the board's ability to make exceptions to existing laws and the implications of such decisions. Ultimately, the board deliberated on the legal boundaries of their authority in this matter, with the city attorney advising adherence to the established health codes.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the appeal, but with a commitment from the DPH to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the Jug Shop's permit status and to work with Priolo as he prepares to return to his original location. The commissioners expressed their dedication to supporting small businesses and acknowledged the complexities of the regulatory environment they operate within.