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Entertainment Commission denies extended-hours amendment for O'Farrell restaurant
Summary
After questioning about unpaid tax licenses and permit display, the San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted to deny an applicant’s request to extend hours at a restaurant at 336 O'Farrell, citing the need for better compliance, outreach and cooperation with police.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Feb. 3 denied an amended request to extend operating hours for a restaurant at 336 O'Farrell Street.
Applicant Atique Raymond and manager Muzaffar Hussain asked to extend the restaurant's weekend hours so the last meal could be served as late as 5 a.m., saying the business serves late-night diners and has taken steps to reduce disturbances, including discontinuing loud music and instituting security and queuing. "I have discontinued the music ... as of about 6 weeks now," Raymond said, describing operational changes and a goal to serve food rather than late-night club crowds.
Tenderloin Station Officer Torres told the Commission his investigation found unpaid tax licenses for 2012–2014 and that permits were not on display during multiple police visits. "We feel that, we shouldn't, allow this this business to operate, till 5AM since he hasn't paid his taxes," Torres said, and recommended disapproval until the applicant could demonstrate responsible operations and compliance.
Manager Muzaffar Hussain said he joined the business recently, that past charges were paid in January and that the establishment is a food provider, not a club: "We are food providers. We are not a club." He asked to extend by an hour to allow late orders to be completed without forcing customers to leave unfinished meals.
Community member Michael Nolte of Alliance for a Better District 6 requested a continuance so the applicant could conduct neighborhood outreach; commissioners and staff said outreach must be substantive and not limited to promotional giveaways. Director Kane and staff clarified that tax and licensing requirements must be current for an extended-hours permit to be valid.
A motion to deny the amended permit request carried on a roll-call vote with all commissioners voting in the affirmative, and the Commission denied the request to extend hours; commissioners also discussed that the applicant may reapply under applicable rules governing amendments and prohibitions.
The Commission urged the applicant to work with police and city staff on compliance, neighborhood outreach and clear permit posting before seeking further amendments.
