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After heated debate, commission reconditions Halcyon's permit: extended-hours schedule broadened and internal sound limit raised to 116 dB
Summary
The commission reconditioned Halcyon's permit on June 20: it approved a modified extended-hours schedule (most nights allowed to 4 a.m., with up to 12 nights a year allowed until 6 a.m.) and set an internal maximum center-dance-floor sound limit of 116 dB, following third-party and city testing and lengthy neighborhood testimony.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on June 20 voted to recondition Halcyon's place-of-entertainment permit after months of debate about noise, enforcement and third-party testing.
Owner and representative Gina Milano told the commission her venue had completed additional sound attenuation and presented testing by Salter & Associates and an SFDPH noise-control technician showing interior readings around 118 dB C at the center of the dance floor. Milano said the venue had been through construction and testing and asked the commission to lift prior restrictions.
Neighbors and public commenters urged caution, describing prior unpermitted late-night shows that generated multiple complaints and requesting involvement in any retest. "Measurements are not actually measurements" in past practice, one resident said, urging resident participation in any re-testing to ensure realistic ambient baselines.
Commissioners debated whether to raise the venue's internal dB limit to 118 dB, settle on a smaller increase, or maintain the earlier 110-dB limit. After discussion the commission adopted a compromise: it reconditioned extended-hours allowances to a schedule similar to another large venue (extended hours generally allowed to 4 a.m., with up to 12 nights a year allowed to 6 a.m.), and set the venue's internal maximum center-dance-floor limit at 116 dB. Commissioners emphasized continued enforcement, monitoring and the venue's obligation to pay outstanding citations; the owner said she would pay by the following Friday.
The vote reflected both technical findings (third-party tests showing substantial attenuation) and neighborhood concerns about prior violations and measurement methods; the commission said staff should continue periodic monitoring and allow residents to participate in retesting procedures where feasible.
The motions carried with recorded yes votes by Commissioners Lee, Thomas, Cavanaugh and President Tan.
