Commission hears enforcement update: unpermitted venues, complaints and a notice of violation issued

Deputy Director (introduced in the meeting as Deputy Director Azavito) told the commission on May 8 that the office had carried out sound inspections and responded to recent complaints.

He said inspectors conducted 11 sound tests since the last hearing. For Silverstone Cafe, staff determined the venue was operating without the commission’s permit and ‘‘explained the permitting process’’ to the owner and offered assistance if the owner pursues a permit. Regarding complaints initially believed to come from a nearby bindery, Deputy Director Azavito said inspector visits found the source was Alembic; he said he had notified "SFPD Park Station Officer Wu" and that staff would reassign future complaints to the SFPD park station for enforcement.

Arena SF (formerly Mission Street Sports Bar) generated four complaints since a rebranding and managerial change; inspectors found the front-of-house controls and security plan compliant, but asked the venue to padlock an interior door that opened directly into an apartment; staff followed up and the door was padlocked. The deputy director also described a 311 complaint tied to RS94109’s first permitted extension; staff asked owners to reduce music volume and followed up directly with the complainant.

Deputy Director Azavito said the office had requested a response from the How Weird Festival producer and plans to do sound testing and ensure an inspector is on site for next year’s event. He closed by noting the office issued a notice of violation to Revolution Cafe for operating with a live band with doors and windows open.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the Arena SF ownership and the handling of anonymous 311 complaints. "We will be reallocating any future complaints to the SFPD park station," the deputy director said regarding venues beyond the commission’s jurisdiction. The commission did not take formal action on enforcement items at the meeting.