Inner Sunset’s Blackthorn granted indoor entertainment permit with police conditions

The Entertainment Commission on Jan. 21 voted to grant Blackthorn (834 Irving Street) a full entertainment permit limited to indoor amplified sound, following owner presentations and a contentious public comment period.

Owners and their counsel stressed neighborhood outreach, said the permit does not cover the back patio, and described mitigation already in place—such as sound curtains, automatic door closers and commitments to outreach and signage. They offered to install double‑pane windows for neighbors and to work with the block’s policing strategies.

Nearby residents described long‑standing problems with crowds, noise, urination and sidewalk obstruction; several recent neighbors said the venue’s activity made it difficult to sleep and disrupted family life. Patrons and regulars, and several new‑owner supporters, said the current operators have transformed the business, tightened operations, removed problematic fixtures and were proactively engaging neighbors.

The commission adopted SFPD‑recommended conditions with modifications: it accepted most police conditions meant to address sidewalk crowding and occupancy but struck or revised conditions that were not within the commission’s authority (for example, conditions framed as permitting immediate voiding of a permit due to unspecified illegal activity). Commissioners also asked that the permit holder implement the Good Neighbor Policy contact phone, agreed to monitor soundproofing, and recommended that the parties follow through on offers of double‑pane window installation for affected neighbors.

The permit passed on roll call with the commissioners present voting in favor. Commissioners urged the operator to maintain close communication with neighbors and staff to avoid future citations.