Inspectors report multiple neighborhood noise complaints; staff to pursue outreach before enforcement

Inspectors briefed the San Francisco Entertainment Commission on a set of new and ongoing neighborhood noise complaints and said staff will prioritize outreach and mediation with venues before taking formal enforcement action.

Inspector Burke told commissioners two new complaints have been filed since the last meeting, including a noise and patron-gathering complaint tied to Milan Pizza. He said he visited the site in the early morning hours and observed security on duty and otherwise calm conditions; he will continue follow-up. On Cafe Royale, Burke said a caller reported music audible from the establishment; the caller did not live nearby and requested no personal follow-up, so staff will include Cafe Royale in routine patrols and has planned a meeting with the operator.

Inspectors reported a complicated case at Noe Valley Ministry (1021 Sanchez Street), where listings on Eventbrite suggest ticketed musical events with ticket prices in the $35–$75 range. Staff said it is unclear which activities are permitted under planning approvals and that the planning department was asked to clarify the venue’s permitted uses; staff emphasized meeting with the venue and attempting negotiated remedies before enforcement. In one case inspectors reported ambient sound readings of about 71 dBC at a venue interior, below common municipal thresholds cited by staff, and asked the commission to note that concentrated transmission through building walls can create a different impact in adjacent residences.

Inspectors also described visits to other venues (Love and Propaganda, Temple, Kells Irish Bar and Venue 550), noting generally adequate security at several sites but indicating continuing attention to door management, street traffic patterns around exits, and private events operating under venue permits. For a separate matter involving Asciento, staff said follow-up measurements and discussions with the builder and real-estate agent have not shown violations to date; staff described ongoing mediation efforts to set an agreed level for sound emissions.

Commissioners asked about enforcement thresholds and whether inspectors had taken sound measurements inside complainants’ residences; inspectors said they had taken some measurements previously but in other recent visits relied on observational follow-up and pursued removal or repositioning of speakers where that remedied impacts. Staff said negotiations and education are their primary early-step strategy, reserving citation only if mitigation fails or violations are confirmed.

The commission heard no public comment on the inspector reports and closed that portion of the agenda; staff will continue outreach, confirm planning permissions where needed, and return to the commission if enforcement action or formal remedies are required.