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Planning Commission denies Paina Lounge entertainment expansion after repeated noise violations
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously to disapprove Paina Lounge’s request to add a broader entertainment use at 1865 Post Street, citing repeated noise violations and unresolved neighbor complaints; the restaurant may continue accessory entertainment within existing limits but cannot expand amplified, late‑night performances.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on July 11 disapproved a conditional‑use authorization that would have allowed the Paina Lounge at 1865 Post Street to expand live entertainment and extend amplified hours.
Planning staff presented a draft motion to disapprove after tracing repeated sound and permit violations and a long record of unsuccessful mitigation. Mark Rennie, representing the venue, urged the commission to give the neighborhood “one last look,” saying the business contributes to local arts and community programs, but neighbors and nearby Sundance Cinemas said disturbances continued after earlier hearings and enforcement actions.
Commissioner Moore, who made the motion to disapprove, said the commission had spent an extraordinary amount of time on the case and relied on technical advice from acoustical consultants and building experts indicating the venue could not be adapted safely to the expanded use proposed. Commissioner Gordon noted the commission had supported the applicant in the past but said repeated violations had eroded trust and that the law did not allow exceptions for isolated incidents such as birthday parties.
The disapproval vote was unanimous, 5–0. Commissioners stressed the ruling does not require the restaurant to close and that accessory, non‑amplified entertainment may continue under existing permits; amplified performances must stop at 10 p.m. and the venue must operate within its current permit conditions. Several commissioners encouraged the operator to work with neighbors and return in a year if it demonstrates a clean enforcement record.
The commission’s action ends the latest round of hearings on a case that had been before the body multiple times since 2012. The denial is administrative and based on the city’s planning rules and the record of compliance; it does not preclude further applications that address the identified technical and enforcement issues.
