Entertainment Commission reviews state and local efforts to expand entertainment zones, tracks two bills

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission heard updates on state and local legislation that could expand where and when alcohol-linked outdoor activity and late-night service are allowed, and on the city—s continuing rollout of entertainment zones.

Commission Vice President Xin Wong opened the discussion and the executive director described a piece of legislation sponsored by Supervisor Matt Dorsey that cleared the Planning Commission and would remove a 200-foot buffer in parts of South of Market that currently limits some nighttime and general entertainment uses. The executive director said the change "opens up the ability for a couple of addresses to come forward and get permits from us directly if this passes." The executive director also pointed commissioners to an executive summary and the board file number in the meeting packet.

Ben Van Houten, Director of Nightlife Initiatives at the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, briefed the commission on state bills and local efforts. He summarized Assembly Bill 342, saying AB 342 "would allow local governments to…