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Commission approves Applebee’s LLP; continues The Square permit as neighbors and inspectors press for sound mitigation
Summary
The commission approved a limited live-performance permit for a new Applebee’s at Fisherman’s Wharf and continued a permit for The Square after resident complaints and inspector findings that live amplified music is audible inside a neighboring apartment. The Square was continued to allow the manager to consult the owner and pursue mitigation steps.
SAN FRANCISCO — At its March 17 meeting the San Francisco Entertainment Commission approved a limited live-performance permit for an Applebee’s at Fisherman’s Wharf and continued action on a separate application for The Square after inspectors and a resident described ongoing noise problems.
Applebee’s representative John told the commission the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant (roughly 500 seats) plans to host a contracted three-piece jazz group for dinner service and would generally conclude live music by 9–10 p.m. "We're gonna keep it at a level where people can talk during their dinner and also enjoy the music," John said. Police had no additional conditions on the permit, and commissioners advised the applicant on practical limits (speaker size, volume and avoiding heavy bass) before voting to approve the limited live-performance permit. The roll-call vote recorded aye votes from Commissioners Frost, Lee, Joseph, Moscianis, Cavanaugh and President Tan.
The commission then considered a limited live-performance permit for The Square after Inspector Polley reported that an amplified funk band had been heard loudly inside a nearby apartment. Resident Danielle, who lives above the venue, described repeated disturbances: "It is very loud. I hear it in my bedroom and, you know, in the living room," she said, and said stereo music and after-hours playing had sometimes continued past closing hours.
The Square’s general manager acknowledged mistakes booking amplified acts without confirming a permit and told commissioners he was working to move acts to a different part of the restaurant and to limit hours. Staff and Commissioners discussed options including conditional hours, requiring passing a sound test similar to a place-of-entertainment standard, and sound attenuation. Inspector Polley said his onsite observation found the noise plainly audible in the complainant’s apartment and recommended further mitigation before full approval.
Commissioner Joseph moved to continue The Square’s permit to the next meeting to allow the manager to consult the owner and return with a mitigation plan; the motion was seconded and the item was continued for two weeks. Staff advised the applicant not to host amplified live music in the interim unless it met conditions or passed an agreed sound test.
The commission also noted it can place conditions on LLPs (hours, sound testing and mitigation requirements) and that failure to meet conditions could lead to citations or permit enforcement.
