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Commission denies expanded entertainment permit for Paina Lounge after neighborhood protests
Summary
The Planning Commission denied a conditional-use authorization for expanded live/amplified music at Paina Lounge in Japantown after neighbors, Sundance Kabuki and several community groups said the venue repeatedly violated noise limits and harmed local theaters and festivals.
The Planning Commission voted June 6 to deny a conditional-use authorization that would have allowed extended and amplified entertainment at Paina Lounge (1865 Post Street) in Japantown, citing repeated noise complaints, documented violations, and strong opposition from adjacent cultural institutions.
Why it mattered: The proposed broader entertainment use would have permitted amplified live music past 10 p.m. opponents said that repeated incidents have already disrupted programming at Sundance Kabuki and other nearby businesses, harmed film festival screenings, and generated enforcement actions by the Entertainment Commission and police.
What opponents said: Michael Burke, attorney for the Kabuki/Sundance property owner, described a "pattern" of violations and argued the CUP would create a full‑blown nightclub next to film theaters, an incompatible use. Nancy Gribler of Sundance Cinemas said retired cases and refunding of tickets followed noise incidents and urged denial. The Japantown Task Force, the SF Film Society and other local organizations submitted written objections.
Sponsor response: The venue’s operators said they had completed soundproofing, added sound limiters, purchased on-site sound meters and would continue investments; they pointed to cultural programming and partnership with local festivals. The project sponsor said the Salter Associates sound study recommended measurable decibel limits and a sound-limiter/alarm configuration.
Commission action: Commissioners discussed the technical limits in the Salter study but emphasized enforcement history and community trust. Commissioner Seguill (mover) and Commissioner Moore (second) moved to deny the CUP; the motion carried when put to a roll call. Commissioners noted that under the limited live-performance permit the venue may continue to operate within those narrower limits (ending music by 10 p.m., limited stage area), and that the denial does not prevent the owner from returning in the future if a clear compliance record is established.
Representative quote: "In order to grant a conditional use authorization for a full‑blown nightclub operation, you have to make affirmative findings on evidence in the record including necessity and compatibility — there is no such evidence here," said Michael Burke, attorney for the Kabuki property owner.
Next steps: The limited live‑performance permit remains in force under current Entertainment Commission conditions (10 p.m. cutoff and 200‑square‑foot stage limits). The Paina operators said they will keep working on soundproofing and mitigation; community groups said they will monitor compliance.
