Gomen Izakaya karaoke bar wins conditional POE approval after outreach and sound testing

A new ownership team for Gomen Izakaya (formerly Akiva Karaoke) won conditional approval for a Place of Entertainment permit at the Entertainment Commission meeting on April 1 after staff presented neighborhood outreach and sound‑test results.

Deputy Director Caitlin Acevedo told commissioners the new owners conducted outreach, worked with a neighbor who had been affected by the prior owner’s late‑night operations, and participated in sound testing from that neighbor’s backyard. Staff reflected the test results in recommended sound limits. The file submitted to commissioners included 64 letters of support and no added conditions from SFPD Richmond Station.

Owner John Tam and representative Stefano Cassellato presented plans to operate an izakaya‑style restaurant with eight private karaoke rooms and indoor entertainment in the main bar area. Tam described steps the ownership will take to avoid past problems, including soundproofing, limiters on karaoke amplifiers, a locked cabinet to prevent customers from overriding set levels and in‑house security with guard cards.

Commissioners stressed adherence to closing times (2 a.m.) and asked about policies for responding to neighbor complaints. Tam said he provided his personal contact information in outreach materials and that he will work directly with the primary neighbor, whom staff identified as having been most affected by previous operations.

Public comment included a statement from a supporter who described Tam as a positive community presence. The commission voted unanimously to approve the permit with staff recommendations. The owners were told to follow up with Deputy Director Acevedo to finalize permit conditions and to implement the sound limits and neighbor‑response procedures discussed during the hearing.