Entertainment Commission approves loudspeaker extension for Heron Arts benefit and two business permits

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Wednesday approved three permit applications, including an extension of a loudspeaker permit for a benefit at Heron Arts, a change-of-ownership limited-live permit for Paina Restaurant & Lounge in Japantown, and a mechanical-amusement-device permit for a new Coin Op Game Room on Fourth Street.

The commission’s deputy director brought the loudspeaker request for the Detroit Detroiter benefit show at Heron Street and Berwick, scheduled for July 30. Applicant Tova Lobatz said Heron Arts has done neighborhood outreach, obtained a street-closure permit and plans on-site security, and asked that amplified sound be allowed until midnight for DJs playing in the street. Staff said Southern Station approved the application with four police conditions. Commissioners asked about notices to nearby residents and the mechanics of ticketing on a closed street; no public opposition was recorded and the commission approved the permit with the stated police conditions.

Paina Restaurant & Lounge’s change-in-ownership application was presented as a request to continue limited live performances accessory to an existing Hawaiian-fusion restaurant at 1865 Close Street in Japantown. The applicants described door-to-door neighborhood outreach, outreach to community organizations and ongoing coordination with nearby businesses including the Sundance movie theater. Staff reported that earlier planning issues that delayed the application had been resolved and Northern Station recommended approval with the standard good-neighbor condition. The commission voted to approve the change-of-ownership limited-live permit.

Coin Op Game Room sought a mechanical-amusement-device permit to operate roughly 10 coin-operated games as an accessory to a restaurant and bar at 508 Fourth Street. Owner Hassan Mahmood said the venue will place games downstairs, serve food upstairs, and largely target an adult evening crowd (the operator said it will limit access to people 21 and older in evening hours). Mahmood said game prices would be in the neighborhood of 25¢ to 50¢ per play and that he had conducted local outreach. Commissioners questioned security protocols and how staff would discourage gambling on scores; the owner described staffing plans and a floater position to monitor the floor. With no public opposition, the commission approved the permit with police conditions.

Votes at a glance

- Loudspeaker permit (Detroit Detroiter benefit, Heron Arts): Approved; motion carried with police conditions. (Applicant: Tova Lobatz; event date on application: 07/30/2016.)

- Paina Restaurant & Lounge (change in ownership; limited live performance accessory): Approved; Northern Station 'good neighbor' condition recommended. (Location: 1865 Close Street, Japantown.)

- Coin Op Game Room (mechanical amusement/device permit): Approved with police conditions; applicant plans ~10 coin-operated machines and evening 21+ limits. (Location: 508 Fourth Street.)

All approvals were granted with the conditions recommended by police or Northern Station as noted and with staff oversight for any compliance follow-up.