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Police and staff urge stronger enforcement after repeated citations at El Rincon
Summary
Staff recommended a 7-day suspension for El Rincon after multiple citations; several commissioners and SFPD officials pushed for a 30-day suspension or possible revocation given repeated violations and safety concerns, including an incident in which officers were shot at the premises last year.
Commission staff told the Entertainment Commission that El Rincon (a recurring problem venue) had received its third citation in a short period and recommended a seven‑day suspension and reconditioning of the venue’s permit. Inspector briefing materials presented to the commission catalogued multiple violations (underage drinking, crowd control, sound, and security failures) and flagged the location for continued monitoring.
Several commissioners said a seven‑day suspension was inadequate. Vice President Joseph and Commissioner Mico urged staff to consider a 30‑day suspension and to begin a process that could lead to permit revocation if violations continued. Inspector Grinnell explained that, under current code, three administrative citations can amount to notice enabling a seven‑day suspension without a hearing, which is why staff proposed that initial remedy.
SFPD Inspector Dave Falson told the commission the police department supported stronger action and offered to provide additional resources and documentation. "Not to mention that ... San Francisco police officers were shot at that premises late last year," Falson said, describing the site as especially problematic and offering police support to bolster the commission's case for stronger penalties.
The commission did not immediately adopt a longer suspension at this meeting; members instructed staff to continue monitoring the venue, consult with the city attorney as necessary and return with recommendations including the possibility of a more severe penalty if future incidents occur.
