Committee forwards Piano Fight's liquor‑license conversion to help preserve Tenderloin venue

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Nov. 10 voted unanimously to forward a resolution recommending approval of a liquor‑license conversion for Piano Fight, the multi‑stage performing‑arts venue at 144–146 Taylor Street in the Tenderloin.

Officer Salmonson presented the Alcoholic Beverage Control liaison unit’s report, noting zero letters of protest or support, that the site sits in a high‑crime plot and a high‑saturation census tract, and that Tenderloin station had no opposition. ALU recommended approval with conditions identical to other items: the petitioner must actively monitor their premises to prevent loitering and ensure no noise is audible at nearby residences.

Rob Reddy, a co‑founder of Piano Fight, told the committee the venue combines a restaurant and bar with three stages for local performing arts and community programming. Reddy said running a commercial kitchen has been costly and that converting the existing Type 47 (on‑sale general for bona fide eating place) license to a Type 48 would remove the food requirement and help the venue stabilize financially, allowing it to continue hosting local artists and nonprofit partners.

No members of the public spoke on the item in‑chamber or by phone. Chair Gordon Marr said Supervisor Preston supports the transfer; Marr moved to direct the clerk to prepare a resolution determining the license change serves the public convenience and necessity and to forward it to the full Board with a positive recommendation. Vice Chair Catherine Stephanie and Member Myrna Malgar voted aye and the motion passed 3‑0.

What’s next: The committee forwarded the matter as a committee report to the full Board for final action.