Entertainment Commission approves Konya limited‑live permit with strict conditions after neighborhood pushback

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted to approve a limited‑live performance permit for Konya (doing business as Konya Cuban Parlor) at 500 Florida Street after extended public comment and amendments to police conditions.

Gary Mitchell, the venue’s managing partner, described outreach efforts and new controls the business said it would adopt: carded in‑house security, a plan to walk and monitor patrons outside up to 100 feet from the venue, and a commitment to pursue sound‑containment and purchase a dedicated sound system. “We will have 1 security officer per 50 guests,” Mitchell said, describing staffing the venue will use for scheduled events.

Neighbors and many speakers told commissioners they worried about noise (particularly low‑frequency bass vibration), past incidents, and large groups arriving by party bus. One nearby resident said the neighborhood has “lingering” problems and urged strict hours. Project Artaud representatives and other neighbors questioned whether outreach dates were adequate; an organizer said some meetings had limited notice.

Police and staff supported approval only with detailed conditions. Commissioners ultimately approved a motion that incorporated the commission’s good‑neighbor policy and a revised set of police conditions directing: regular decibel and audible monitoring to ensure compliance with Article 29 of the police code; a requirement that, if sound complaints are delivered by SFPD, the venue agree to lower sound to levels agreed upon by the Entertainment Commission; minimum security staffing (one carded security staff per 50 patrons) with distinctive clothing; a requirement that the venue email Mission Station a calendar of events; no outdoor entertainment in any space used by Konya; exterior video recording whenever the permit is exercised, preserved for a minimum of 30 days; and notification to SFPD of incidents within 100 feet of the venue. The motion also clarified that the commission would strike one condition it deemed subject to misuse by third parties.

Commissioner Audrey Joseph, who motioned to approve with the enumerated changes, said during debate the point was to bring the venue “under our purview” so the commission could enforce conditions if problems recur. Several commissioners pressed for a no‑party‑buses expectation and asked staff to require advance notification of any bus pickups when feasible; the final motion discouraged party buses and asked the venue to provide contact information to neighbors and police.

The motion carried on a roll call vote: Commissioners Acres, Hyde, Joseph, Lee and President Tan voted aye.

The commission’s action grants Konya the limited privilege to host specified live programming under the spelled‑out conditions. Several commissioners said they expected staff and SFPD to monitor compliance and return the item for reconsideration if problems continue.