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Police report highlights crowd problems at Vessel and permit violations at Aitai; commission introduces new enforcement officer
Summary
SFPD Central Station described several late‑night incidents—including a large May 27 crowd and fight at Vessel (85 Campton Place) that led to arrests and an officer being struck—and reported permit and alcohol violations at Aitai (720 Post). The commission also welcomed new enforcement officer Ron Edwards.
Officer Steve Mathias of SFPD’s Central Station briefed the Entertainment Commission on recent incidents that underscore enforcement and coordination needs for late‑night venues.
Mathias described a May 27 crowd incident at Vessel, 85 Campton Place, in which a large hip‑hop event drew hundreds, security struggled to control attendees, and a fight spilled into the street resulting in multiple arrests, including an arrest for battery on a police officer. He said units were called in from across the city to assist, and that clubs should notify Central Station in advance so officers can be deployed as needed.
Mathias also reported a May 31 permit check at Aitai, 720 Post Street, where officers observed hard spirits being served despite a license authorizing beer and wine only. The officer reported seeing red Solo cups and glassware that smelled of vodka, a visible mini‑bar, and patrons consuming alcohol past 2 a.m.; the incident was forwarded to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for enforcement. Mathias said a prior visit on April 28 had identified similar concerns.
The commission’s Executive Director introduced Ron Edwards as the new enforcement officer brought onto staff to support monitoring and compliance work. Staff noted Edwards was in training and would assist with inspections and noise/permit enforcement.
Commissioners asked about the new authority to issue citations for operating without a permit; staff said second reading of enabling legislation had occurred and they were awaiting the mayor’s signature to allow the commission to issue citations. The discussion prompted public comment and later enforcement follow‑up referrals to ABC in the Aitai case.
The police report emphasized that late‑night events can strain district resources if clubs do not coordinate with the permanent patrol officer, and that enforceable posting and outreach practices are part of reducing impacts on neighborhoods.
No formal enforcement decision was taken at the meeting; staff indicated they would forward files to ABC and continue coordination with SFPD.
