Planning commission approves entertainment permit for The Dorian after sponsor agrees to monitoring and liaison conditions

The Dorian, a Chestnut Street restaurant and bar, sought authorization to host nighttime performances and cabaret shows. The operator (Benson Wang and partners) told the commission they had met neighbors and implemented operational controls including staff training, periodic decibel checks and procedures to limit noise and door‑line crowding.

Neighbors and a Doctor requester said measured sound levels were excessive in the existing building envelope and urged a delay, automatic decibel controls, double‑door vestibules, and a probationary period before granting a permanent permit. The sponsor described a suite of mitigations and a willingness to maintain a liaison and other operational conditions but resisted some restrictions (an additional probationary period and hard curfew changes).

After deliberation, commissioners agreed to require a neighborhood liaison condition and other standard good‑neighbor measures; the commission took discretionary review and approved the entertainment permit with those conditions. Commissioner Fung voted no; the motion otherwise passed. Commissioners and staff noted the department and enforcement agencies retain code and police‑power remedies if the permit holder fails to comply.