Entertainment Commission approves Club Fugazi permit for 678 Green Street with conditions
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Summary
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission unanimously approved a place‑of‑entertainment permit for Club Fugazi (678 Green Street), adding a good‑neighbor policy and an SFPD Central Station condition that a managing staff member be on site whenever the venue is rented to a third party.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted unanimously to approve a place‑of‑entertainment permit for Club Fugazi at 678 Green Street in North Beach, adopting staff recommendations and a public‑safety condition from SFPD Central Station.
Commission President Ben Lyman opened the hearing after Director Weiland summarized the application and noted five letters of support in the permit file and no opposition. Director Weiland also reported SFPD Central Station officer Mathias approved the permit and recommended one additional condition: that a managing staff member be on the premises whenever the venue is rented to a third party.
Applicants David Dauer and Eric (presenter name in file) described plans to restore the historic theater as a theatrical and contemporary circus venue partnered with 7 Fingers, and said the space will host neighborhood, community and private events. "We think of this as a Phoenix Rising story," one presenter said, framing the project as part of a cultural recovery for the city. The presenters said they have begun demolition and renovation and expect to begin performances in fall 2021.
During commissioner questions, applicants said they do not plan additional soundproofing unless inspections require it, are working with a professional venue sound designer, and intend to price tickets affordably — noting a bottom‑end ticket in the roughly $30 range — to build a local audience first. They also said they plan to apply for a beer‑and‑wine license in the future and have distributed outreach letters to neighbors and local businesses, and described plans to reopen a downstairs room for community rehearsals pending additional city review and approvals.
With no public comment recorded for the item, the commission moved to a vote. Commissioners recorded ayes from Perez, Camino, Lee, Bridal and Thomas and the permit was approved with the staff recommendation, the adopted good‑neighbor policy and the SFPD condition requiring a managing staff member on site for third‑party rentals. President Lyman congratulated the applicants and reminded them to coordinate with staff on final inspections and next steps.
Applicants invited commissioners to an open house on June 4 at 6:00 p.m. to preview the space and the planned operation.
