Inspector reports repeated late-night amplified-music violations at Habibi Lounge; commission review set

At the San Francisco Entertainment Commission meeting, the senior inspector reported enforcement actions and ongoing compliance concerns at Habibi Lounge (26 Sixth Street).

The inspector said staff responded to a sound complaint on Sunday, Dec. 1; Inspector Youngreiss visited at 12:42 a.m. and found outdoor prerecorded music operating after the venue’s one-time amplified-sound permit required outdoor sound to end by 10 p.m. The inspector said the general manager told staff he was unaware of the permit conditions and turned the speakers off when approached.

“This is our second visit where the outdoor music was playing after 10 p.m., with the other instance taking place on November 16 at 1 a.m.,” the inspector reported, and added that the business had received a $500 citation for operating outdoor amplified music after 10 p.m. The inspector said this was the business’s fourth citation since Oct. 20 and that staff has observed advertising for food service past 2 a.m. that the venue is not authorized to offer.

Deputy Director Ezvito has emailed the owner requesting that late-night food service cease until the venue obtains an appropriate permit, the inspector said; staff has not received a response. The inspector notified the commission that Habibi Lounge is scheduled to appear before the commission at its Dec. 17 meeting for review of its POE and EHP permit applications.

The commission did not take enforcement action during this meeting; staff indicated the matter will return for review. The inspector invited questions; commissioners had none during the report.

Next procedural step: the Compliance/Permit review of Habibi Lounge is scheduled for the commission’s Dec. 17 hearing.