Independent Venue Alliance warns dozens of small San Francisco stages face collapse without help

San Francisco — The Independent Venue Alliance told the Entertainment Commission that independent music venues in San Francisco are at risk of large-scale closures unless the city steps in with clearer permitting pathways or financial support.

Fred Barnes, general manager of The Chapel and president of the alliance, said the group represents more than 20 venues and has raised roughly $50,000 through online campaigns but that “possibly 50% of these venues are going to potentially go out of business by, you know, the beginning of next year” if operating restrictions and costs continue without relief.

Barnes described efforts to prototype outdoor events — including a recent small, instrument-only performance held in a Chapel parking lot for about 30 people — and urged the commission to help coordinate public spaces that could host larger, regulated outdoor gatherings. He said many venues do not have outdoor patios and would need city assistance to access parks or closed streets.

Commissioners asked the alliance to provide more detailed survey data on which venues are most at risk and described possible avenues for advocacy and emergency support. One commissioner offered to connect venue operators with soundproofing expertise and to explore emergency legislation or other short-term measures.

Barnes also described fundraising and membership goals: early targets included raising $2 million to support roughly 15 venues for several months, though the alliance’s immediate revenue has been modest and the membership list has grown since those initial estimates.

The commission expressed sympathy and urged staff to continue outreach to the Department of Public Health and other city departments to identify actionable steps for safely opening small-scale outdoor performance opportunities.