Entertainment Commission approves permits for Nicky’s Irish Pub, The Reserve and Northern Bubbles after questions on noise, security and outreach

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted on June 15 to approve three place-of-entertainment permit applications after staff presentations, applicant testimony and commissioner questioning about noise mitigation, security staffing and neighborhood outreach.

Nicky's Irish Pub: Tom Mills, the applicant and new owner, told commissioners he bought the neighborhood bar "because the neighborhood needs this local" and plans to restore trivia, DJs and dancing. Staff said outreach produced supportive letters, including from the landlord. Commissioners pressed Mills on manager training and a permanent security plan; Mills said he would hire an experienced head of security and keep managers trained. Commissioner motioned to approve the permit with staff recommendations; the motion passed with recorded 'aye' votes from Commissioners Thomas, Weng, Lee, Perez, Falzon, Vice President Camino and President Blyman. (Motion: approve Nicky's POE with staff recommendations; outcome: approved.)

The Reserve (301 Battery): Applicants Susan and Cyr described converting the historic 301 Battery site (staff noted ~185,000 square feet) back into an events venue for weddings and corporate gatherings. Staff reported no residential opposition and support from nearby commercial neighbors. Commissioners asked about in-house sound control and a security contract with Allied Universal; presenters said they would use building security plus contracted staff and would limit loud concert‑style events. The commission voted to approve the application with the Good Neighbor policy and staff conditions.

Northern Bubbles (Market Square): Staff brought forward Northern Bubbles (doing business as Northern Ducks) after prior anonymous neighbor complaints alleging unpermitted indoor entertainment. Manager Jose Montoya and Sarah Samuel told the commission they had undertaken neighborhood outreach and installed an in-house controller to limit decibel levels. Commissioners and staff warned the applicants that they should cancel advertised events until inspections and permits are complete; one commissioner said, "I'm recommending very highly that you cancel this." The commission approved the permit with the staff-recommended conditions; staff reiterated the code requirement for security (one guard per 100 patrons) and warned that repeated noncompliance could lead to reconditioning or notices of violation.

What commissioners required and clarified: staff and commissioners emphasized the EC Good Neighbor policy, adherence to place-of-assembly permits, compliance with Cal/OSHA employee rules and security staffing consistent with code (one guard per 100 customers). For venues with prior complaints, commissioners discussed reconditioning permits and progressive discipline if future violations occur.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with each new permit holder on inspections and implementation of the Good Neighbor policy and security plans; applicants were reminded not to hold live events until all required inspections and permits are complete.