Entertainment Commission approves pool tables but continues Marina venue’s place-of-entertainment application

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on July 26 approved the installation of two pool tables at a proposed Marina cocktail lounge and, at the applicant’s request, continued consideration of the venue’s full place-of-entertainment permit to the commission’s September meeting.

Paul Owens, the applicant and managing member of Gypsy Tearoom, told commissioners he intends to operate an upscale cocktail lounge at the 3251 address with acoustic jazz and occasional DJs. Owens said the location will not have a dance floor, that he has contracted Shaw Security and that he and 23 investors are committed to preventing the kinds of problems associated with the prior tenant, a club called Gravity. “We’re not gonna be overly loud,” Owens said, adding that he has spoken directly to neighbors and posted contact information in the window.

Neighbors and local officials urged caution. Patricia Boy, who organized neighborhood outreach, listed prior problems at the site—complaints about drugs, noise, and public disorder—and asked the commission to require conditions including curfews for amplified music, doors closed during amplified music, licensed security at all times, a dedicated telephone line for complaints, and no customer access to upstairs office space. A legislative aide to Supervisor Mark Farrell also asked the commission to continue the application to give neighborhood groups time to meet with the applicant.

Commissioners questioned Owens about sound control, exits, and how the venue would handle performers who bring their own amplified equipment. Commissioner Joseph said the applicant’s stated plan—using a house system for modest background music and sporadic live sets—may not be realistic if bands bring in external sound gear. Staff and commissioners stressed the importance of an enforceable sound plan and proper panic hardware on exits.

Because of those concerns and at Owens’ request, Commissioner Joseph moved to bifurcate the application, approving the billiard tables while continuing the place-of-entertainment permit to the commission’s first September meeting. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Benetti, Hyde, Joseph, Perez, Rojas and President Newland voting Aye.

The commission directed staff to assist Owens with targeted neighborhood outreach and to file a clear security plan and sound-test schedule with the office before the continued hearing. Owens was also told he must repost the public notice for the license application to meet posting requirements.

Next steps: Owens will work with commission staff and neighborhood groups during the continuance; the commission will take up the place-of-entertainment permit at its first September meeting unless the applicant requests a different schedule.