Entertainment Commission conditionally approves Elbow Room permit, continues Casa Hookah extended-hours request

The Entertainment Commission on Aug. 24 conditionally granted a place-of-entertainment permit to Elbow Room (647 Valencia) and continued consideration of Casa Hookah’s extended-hours request to allow coordination with police and completion of planning notifications.

Staff recommended a conditional grant for Elbow Room based on an approved sound test, substantial soundproofing and Mission Station’s recommendation to approve without conditions. Dennis Ring, an owner and property owner representative, told the commission the venue plans to continue existing live-music programming and operations. The commission voted to approve the conditional grant with the standard Good Neighbor Policy attached. Recorded aye votes were given by Commissioners Cavallini, Nico, Owens and President Newman.

On Casa Hookah (applicant Saeed Amin), staff explained that planning rules require neighborhood notification (the transcript referenced a "312"/notification requirement) and that SFPD had asked to continue the item earlier because of a change in permit officer. Attorney Mark Rennie explained the applicant had supplied an amended security plan (one security person per up to 49 guests and clarified perimeter language for the security walk) and requested the item be continued to the call of the chair while the applicant and police work through remaining issues. Officer Francis Feliciano, the Richmond Station permits officer, said he had no objection to the requested extension but noted outstanding issues and recommended continuing to Sept. 14. The commission voted to continue the Casa Hookah application to the call of adjournment.