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Entertainment Commission approves Golden Gate Taproom permit with police conditions, shortens camera retention
Summary
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission approved a place-of-entertainment permit for Golden Gate Taproom (449 Powell St.) on a vote after SFPD and neighbors negotiated conditions that include security for karaoke rooms, no alcohol in karaoke rooms when minors are present, ABC-trained bar staff and a change in camera-retention from 30 to 20 days.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on a unanimous vote approved a place-of-entertainment permit for Golden Gate Taproom at 449 Powell Street, adopting police-recommended conditions and amending one at the applicant’s request.
The applicant, represented by consultant Stefano Casolato and principal Man Kim, described a four-level venue with a bar and amusement games on the second floor (capacity listed at 315), a restaurant/bar on the third floor (232 capacity), and enclosed karaoke rooms on the fourth floor that will be visible through windows and monitored by security and cameras. Casolato said the venue had conducted outreach and mailed 454 letters to residents.
Central Station permit officer Steve Matthias told the commission the department supported the permit but asked for four conditions: reduced camera retention (applicant requested 20 days because their system fills up sooner), security on the floor when karaoke rooms are used, no alcohol in karaoke rooms if minors are present, and mandatory ABC-trained bar staff. Matthias said the applicant’s existing camera system “fills up after about 20 days” and that Central Station was “okay with” reducing the retention period from 30 to 20 days.
Neighborhood and business groups testified in support. Karen Flood, executive director of the Union Square Business Improvement District, said Mr. Kim “has been a long time, board member” of local business groups and praised his outreach and neighborhood involvement. Kevin Carroll, executive director of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, also urged approval and highlighted the applicant’s outreach to hotels.
Commissioners incorporated the SFPD conditions and agreed to change the retention requirement from 30 to 20 days, as requested by the applicant and approved by police. On the motion to approve the permit with those conditions the commission recorded aye votes from the commissioners present and moved to grant the permit.
What’s next: The permit will be implemented under the adopted police conditions; the fourth-floor place-of-assembly capacity remains pending final fire-department evaluation. Staff indicated they will forward the final permit documentation and monitor compliance with the Good Neighbor Policy.
