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Entertainment commission imposes conditions on Rocket Room after repeated police incidents
Summary
After months of citations and a February event that led to three arrests, the commission upheld a staff-imposed seven-day suspension and voted to require the Rocket Room to end live entertainment at 1 a.m., turn lights on at 1:30 a.m., meet with SF SAFE, and return for a compliance review in three months.
The City and County of San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Feb. 28 voted to impose new operating conditions on the Rocket Room, a nightclub at 406 Clement Street, after staff and San Francisco Police Department officials described repeated permit violations and neighborhood impacts.
Executive Director Jocelyn Kane told the commission staff had imposed a seven-day suspension and provided a list of 14 proposed additional conditions after citing multiple permit violations and unpaid fines and after a February show that ended in three arrests. "We do a 7 day suspension," Kane said while outlining the factual basis for action.
Richmond Station officers told the commission they had tracked a string of incidents at the venue dating to October and culminating in the February arrests. Officer Moore, Richmond Station’s permit officer, described a pattern of permit violations and criminal behavior and told commissioners, "We do not have the resources to continue to babysit the patrons of the Rocket Room, so we're asking for your help." Captain Eric Vintero endorsed the staff recommendations, saying they "promote public safety" and that he "fully endorse[s] the recommendations."
Owner Tim Choi acknowledged the venue's problems and described steps taken, including increased security and staff changes. "We've terminated a number, a few, past 4 so far," Choi said in response to questions about personnel changes. Management also said it increased on-duty security from about four to seven guards on busy nights and that it has changed its booking processes.
After debate about operational detail and enforcement language, the commission voted to require that live entertainment stop at 1:00 a.m. and that the venue implement a "lights on" policy at 1:30 a.m. Commissioners also added conditions requiring the permittee to meet with SF SAFE and other neighborhood safety partners and set a three-month follow-up to assess compliance.
President John Newland framed the terms as non-negotiable: commissioners said the Rocket Room must demonstrate sustained compliance to retain any flexibility. The commission recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present and scheduled a review in three months.
The vote formalizes the suspension already being served and adds oversight and operational limits aimed at reducing street disturbances, improving crowd control and ensuring cooperation with police and neighborhood safety organizations.
