Entertainment Commission approves Habibi Lounge permit after months of compliance checks; permit issuance awaits DBI signoff

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Wednesday approved a place-of-entertainment (POE) and extended-hours-premises (EHP) permit for Habibi Lounge, a two-story restaurant and rooftop patio at 26 Sixth Street, by a 5–2 vote. The approval includes amended entertainment hours and several conditions negotiated among the business, the Tenderloin Housing Clinic (THC) and the adjacent Windsor Hotel, but the permits will not be issued until the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and other required agencies sign off.

The vote followed sustained discussion about a record of noncompliance at Habibi Lounge, including five citations since October 2024 and a compliance check on Jan. 1 when inspectors said they found amplified outdoor music being played after an earlier one-time permit had expired. Deputy Director Azevedo and commission members described the commission's dual responsibility to support nightlife while enforcing conditions meant to protect nearby residents.

Commissioners said THC and the Windsor Hotel negotiated a set of conditions with the owner that staff recommended to the commission. Those conditions, read into the record by staff, allow indoor entertainment and extended food service on specified days and…