Entertainment Commission approves Amano

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted on Oct. 1 to grant Amano, an Italian restaurant at 450 Hayes Street, a fixed-place amplified-sound permit allowing outdoor ambient music during dining hours from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Commissioners approved the permit after hearing staff present a record of outreach (more than 219 recipients), six written opposition letters and three letters of support, and a property-owner letter backing the application. Staff described the proposed installation as six speakers (two over the entrance and two in each parklet) and noted there were no added conditions recommended by SFPD Northern Station.

Residents who live directly above Amano and in the same building urged denial. A resident who said they live at 450 Hayes said outdoor music would "significantly exacerbate the existing noise issues" and cited the building—s lack of air conditioning and difficulty keeping windows closed for extended periods. Samantha Mayer, who identified herself as a 450 Hayes resident and an expectant mother, said the expansion of outdoor seating and parklets has already "significantly increased noise" and that amplified sound until 10 p.m. would further harm residents— quality of life.

Mario Cha, who said he owns a condominium at 450 Hayes and cited specific homeowners association (CC&R) provisions, said the landlord had not obtained required HOA board approvals and argued the application conflicted with CC&R sections he quoted on sound transmission and exterior advertising. The building—s landlord, Doug McMahon, spoke in support and said he had performed due diligence and was not aware of CC&R violations.

Applicant representatives from Back of the House Construction, including Hannah Wahlbridge, said Amano sought only ambient background music to enhance dining and had offered to limit hours to 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. They said speakers would be downward-facing and that they would respond promptly to neighbor complaints.

In deliberations commissioners repeatedly distinguished the commission—s authority from HOA rules, noting that granting a permit subjects a business to the Entertainment Commission—s decibel limits and enforcement by sound inspectors. One commissioner summarized the department—s approach: when a permit is granted the business becomes subject to the commission—s oversight, including real-time 311 response and decibel enforcement.

President Ben Blyman moved to approve the permit with staff recommendations (the motion was seconded). The roll call produced unanimous recorded "Aye" votes from the commissioners present and the chair announced the permit was granted for 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Approve Amano FPAS permit with staff recommendations. Mover: President Ben Blyman. Second: speaker identified in transcript as S3. Outcome: approved.

What happens next: The permit places Amano under the commission—s sound-enforcement regime; neighbors were advised to report violations via 311 so enforcement staff can respond with sound measurements and potential citations. Commissioners suggested speakers and hours can be revisited if complaints continue.