Committee forwards Epicurean Trader liquor-license finding for Ferry Building to full Board

Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann, chair of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee, moved April 9 to send a resolution to the full Board finding that issuance of a Type 21 off‑sale general beer, wine and distilled spirits license to Epicurean Trader LLC at the Ferry Building would serve the public convenience or necessity. The committee voted 3‑0 to forward the recommendation.

The Administrative Law Unit (ALU) presented a PCN (public convenience or necessity) report noting Epicurean Trader had applied for multiple license types and that the site is located in Plot 216, which ALU described as a high‑crime area, and Census Tract 105, listed as a high‑saturation area. ALU reported zero letters of protest or support and that Southern Station had no opposition. ALU recommended approval with conditions including conspicuous signage for tasting areas and a prohibition on minors in tasting areas.

Applicant Matt Pond told the committee the business "is fully supportive of the conditions" and said he would put the acceptance in writing if required. Pond described Epicurean Trader as a locally owned grocer and argued the Ferry Building location and the chain’s neighborhood stores provide important access to fresh food and staples for residents and workers who otherwise would have limited options.

Chair Mandelmann noted Supervisor Peskin supports sending the item forward and asked staff to confirm the applicant had signed the required conditions before the item is considered by the full Board. The clerk recorded votes of Vice Chair Stephanie: aye; Member Walton: aye; and Chair Mandelmann: aye. The committee’s action was procedural — forwarding a resolution with a positive recommendation — and does not itself grant the license. The matter is expected to appear on the Board agenda on April 21, 2020.