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Police warn venues after renewed noise, alley-smoking complaints near Stockton Street and Camden Alley
Summary
Central Station officers told the Entertainment Commission they have received renewed noise and alley-smoking complaints tied to venues now operating as Love and Propaganda (formerly Vessel) and Hue (formerly Atmosphere); officers recommended directing patrons to Stockton Street and stricter adherence to the San Francisco Entertainment Good Neighbor policy.
Officer Steve Mathias of Central Station reported to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission that noise and disturbance complaints have returned at two downtown nightlife venues now operating under new names.
"I would like you and your staff to guide the smoke-breaking patrons and departing guests to Stockton Street," Mathias said, citing an email he sent to a manager at the venue formerly called Vessel (now operating as Love and Propaganda). He told the commission the nearby Taj Hampton Hotel has been refunding room rates for disturbed guests and faces potential revenue loss and negative reviews.
Mathias described similar complaints at Hue, the venue that previously operated as Atmosphere: loud music penetrating a three-unit residential building when alley doors are propped open, makeshift smoking in the alley, garbage left after closing and at least one midnight police response for fights. He recommended that venue operators remove barricades in the alley, redouble efforts to keep doors closed and review their ABC conditions and the San Francisco Entertainment Good Neighbor policy.
Commissioners and staff raised legal and practical limits to enforcement under the Good Neighbor policy, which generally holds venues responsible for behavior within 100 feet of their entrance. One commissioner asked whether a venue could voluntarily agree in writing to accept responsibility beyond 100 feet; staff suggested consulting the city attorney on that possibility. Another participant measured the distance involved at about 50 feet, which would keep the problem inside the 100-foot responsibility zone.
Mathias proposed operational fixes such as stanchions to direct patrons along Stockton Street and the use of attentive security staff. The commission discussed seeking written commitments from operators willing to patrol beyond the 100-foot line, but staff warned that such voluntary commitments may not change the policy's legal baseline without city-attorney guidance.
The commission did not take a regulatory action at the meeting on these matters; police and staff said they will continue outreach to the venues and consider legal options and administrative conditions if problems persist.
