Entertainment inspectors report 62 sound complaints and nine escalated cases; several sent to health department or city attorney

Senior Inspector Savino reported to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission that staff has logged 62 sound complaints since the panel last met and highlighted nine cases that required escalated follow-up.

"Since our last meeting, there have been 62 sound complaints, and we've worked hard to resolve the majority of these issues," Senior Inspector Savino said, opening a summary of the most serious locations under review.

Savino described several businesses by name and the department actions taken: Don Piesto's (North Beach) received multiple substantiated complaints, an NOV and citation, and staff required a 24-hour submission of a compliance plan; the commission later approved the plan and complaints have since stopped. Mr. Bing's was described as not forthcoming and without a jam permit; the inspector reported a patron attempted to light a firework during a visit and the case has been referred to the Department of Public Health and the city's attorney's office. "This case has been escalated to the Department of Public Health and the city's attorney's office," Savino said.

Other cases included Neck of the Woods (manager agreed to stop using amplification for comedy performances and complaints ceased), Rox Den (operating outside its permitted amplified-sound hours; manager cooperated and case closed), and Soma Street Food Park (early loud-music complaints led staff to advise the manager to pause promoter-run events; staff planned a follow-up sound test). Savino also discussed Pacific Catch and American Bites/Macade, noting instances of late-night gatherings, possible fights, and continued monitoring. Midnight Sun's manager accepted guidance and the complainant later emailed the commission to say sound levels had improved.

Commissioners asked how staff handles severe incidents aimed at inspectors. A commissioner called the fireworks episode "very not okay" and asked whether staff should file police reports. Savino and other staff said they had referred the most serious incidents to the Department of Public Health and that inspectors can, within their permit-enforcement authority, issue administrative citations (the first offense is a $100 administrative fine under the city code). For assaults or threats, staff noted a police report could be filed if the inspector is willing to pursue that route; a commissioner volunteered to help coordinate outreach if an inspector opted to file.

Several commissioners urged the office to keep a clear paper trail and to apply consistent consequences for businesses that repeatedly refuse to comply. Commissioners also expressed concern for inspector safety, describing past incidents in which inspectors were harassed, chased, or spat upon while doing enforcement work.

The report concluded with staff saying some cases remain open and that the department will keep the commission informed on further referrals to DPH or the city attorney's office.