Commission approves Great Northern (formerly Mighty) permit with police conditions after security assurances

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted Tuesday to approve a place‑of‑entertainment and extended‑hours permit for the nightclub currently known as Mighty, which the applicants said will be rebranded as the Great Northern, at 119 Utah Street.

Applicant Tad Cortel told commissioners the operation will emphasize DJs and some live music, and that the new owners plan to add about $20,000 of additional ceiling sound insulation and sound curtains on top of existing soundproofing. "We definitely try to introduce ourselves to every open business within a city block of the premises," Cortel said, describing four afternoons of neighborhood outreach and reporting seven letters of support.

Security and staffing: Cortel said the venue will contract Johnson Security and Protection for guard services and that one existing door worker accepted an offer to join the contractor. He said management will remain on site and that door protocols will include bag checks and, where appropriate, pat‑downs and additional measures discussed with SFPD. Commissioner Joseph recused himself from the vote and staff confirmed Mission Station approved the applications with attached police conditions.

Vote and effect: The motion to approve both the place‑of‑entertainment and the extended‑hours premises permit passed on roll call after a second; commissioners recorded Aye votes and the permits were approved with the stated police conditions that accompany Mission Station approval.

Why it matters: The approval allows the new ownership to operate under temporary permits in place from SFPD and staff while completing the transition, provided the operator complies with the police conditions and any ongoing monitoring.

Next steps: Staff will ensure the conditions requested by Mission Station are met as the venue transitions to its new name and operations.