Commission grants Imperial Palace conditional place-of-entertainment permit after neighborhood support

The Entertainment Commission conditionally approved an updated place-of-entertainment permit for Imperial Palace (818 Washington) after staff and supporters described the venue's daytime, senior-focused dinner shows and SFPD recommended safety conditions.

Consultant Stefan Cassellato and owner Tim Lee told the commission the shows are largely daytime productions tailored to seniors and are designed to end before 10 p.m. Cassellato said staff had circulated information about the Live Limited Performance (LLP) permits and that the applicants had reached out to the Chinatown Neighborhood Association and local hotels; he described agreements made with Officer Matthias of Central Station on proposed conditions.

Public testimony was uniformly supportive: Chinatown residents described the venue as a longstanding family restaurant that could help revive the neighborhood's historical theater tradition and bring tourist visits. Richard AO, a longtime Chinatown resident, said he frequents the restaurant and encouraged the commission to grant the permit. Several other speakers, including Marie Lee and Teresa Chi, said the shows were inclusive and attractive to seniors.

Officer Steve Matthias, speaking for Central Station, listed six conditions the department sought and asked that the commission remove the word "marketing" from one line of the conditions to avoid restricting promotional activities that support the business. Staff confirmed the conditions were shared with the applicant and the owner indicated comfort with the measures.

A motion to conditionally approve the permit carried by roll call with Ayes recorded from the commissioners present. The commission advised the applicant to continue coordination with SFPD on security and neighborhood notification and to ensure compliance with the agreed conditions.