Entertainment Commission approves North Beach gallery permit but pares back police camera requirements

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Oct. 21 approved a limited live permit for Emerald Tablet, a North Beach art gallery and event space, after rejecting parts of the police department’s recommended conditions that would have required 24/7 exterior surveillance with 30‑day video retention.

Adela Haywood, the gallery’s owner, told the commission the camera requirement would be ‘‘over the top’’ for an art gallery that hosts low‑key concerts, poetry readings and small cultural events and estimated installation costs she could not easily absorb. ‘‘For an art gallery it’s just a little over the top for us,’’ Haywood said, noting many events are calm and local.

Eiseman/Central Station officer Dabstine countered that Fresno Alley, the narrow passage behind the gallery, has a history of alcohol use, drug activity and a recent knife attack, and that video has helped identify suspects in nearby incidents. ‘‘We feel that the cameras would be helpful,’’ Dabstine said while presenting photographs of the alley.

Commissioners weighed consistency of rules and the applicant’s one‑year remaining lease. Several commissioners urged the applicant to consider cameras for liability reasons; one asked whether affordable consumer systems could be sufficient. In final action the commission approved a motion that retains three conditions: an on‑site manager must be present for any use of the Entertainment Commission permit, the venue must not exceed 49 persons at any one time, and staff shall keep a running tally of guests. Commissioner Frost voted no; the motion passed with the remaining commissioners voting aye.

The commission also emphasized that the gallery remains subject to the Good Neighbor Policy and that staff and police will follow up on any complaints. The item had been removed from the consent calendar at the applicant’s request so that Haywood could address the police conditions in person.

Next steps: Emerald Tablet’s permit will be issued with the modified conditions; if complaints arise staff and police said they will work with the operator to mitigate problems or return the matter to the commission.