Barbies at 4541 Mission Street approved for ongoing entertainment after staff set sound limits and owner pledged controls

The Entertainment Commission on Oct. 7 approved a Place of Entertainment permit for Barbies, a bar and small venue at 4541 Mission St., concluding staff recommendations after inspectors set an internal sound limit for the space.

Staff told the commission the business appeared on staff’s radar after complaints and citations for hosting entertainment without a permit earlier in 2025. An inspector has already established an internal sound limit, and outreach to neighbors within 150 feet produced no opposition.

Owner Hector Ortaz and consultant Jose Gonzalez said they schedule DJs on weekends and plan karaoke on Mondays; they described measures to control volume, including a master volume control behind the bar and taped limits on mixing consoles so DJs cannot raise levels beyond an operator-set point. Ortaz said he and his wife run and are present during most operations and that security is scheduled on nights that need extra coverage.

Commissioners voted to approve staff recommendations unanimously. The commission directed the owner to continue coordinating with staff and neighbors and to follow the inspector‑set sound limit.