Entertainment Commission approves Fiddler's Green permit with police conditions

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission approved a permit for Fiddler's Green, 1333 Columbus Avenue, on Aug. 2 following a presentation by owner Vince Lau and his management team and a roll-call vote in favor.

Applicants described steps taken after a prior appearance: hiring a new manager (Colin Crowley), submitting a security plan and soundproofing work (including interior soundboard and Quiet Rock on the roof), conducting neighborhood outreach (two meetings and mailers to roughly 100 neighbors), and committing to manager training (about 12 hours per year). Owner Vince Lau said the venue will emphasize three objectives: "be good neighbors, make sure it's a safe place for everyone, and a soundproof plan." He added the venue plans to shift toward a sports-theme, host mostly single acoustic musicians and avoid loud amplified music.

Commissioners asked technical and operational questions. Lau identified the speakers as "Yamaha 35-watt speakers" and said there would typically be five plus five for surround sound; he confirmed there is no fixed stage and most live music will be single guitar players on the floor. Lau acknowledged some contractors performed the roofing and sound work and deferred technical sealing questions to them.

A motion to approve the permit carried with police-recommended conditions: installation of exterior cameras, employees trained with certificates on file, and a requirement that a calendar of special events be provided to both the Entertainment Commission and Central Station. The vote was recorded as Aye by Commissioner Frost, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Kim Manong, Commissioner Perez and Vice President Joseph.

The commission’s approval is subject to the stated conditions and future compliance monitoring by commission inspectors and Central Station. Staff noted Central Station’s recommendation and the police conditions were included in the permit package.