Supervisors Recommend Approval for Dada Bar’s Move to 65 Post Street After Heated Public Comment
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Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony from nearby Ritz‑Carlton residents and arts supporters, the committee voted without objection to forward a liquor‑license transfer for Dada Bar at 65 Post Street with the police department’s recommended conditions.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted July 14 to forward a transfer of a type‑48 on‑sale alcohol license for Dada Bar to 65 Post Street, after extended public comment and discussion about noise, loitering and neighborhood safety.
Timothy Landrigan, a Dada owner, told the committee the bar has operated in San Francisco for a decade and described plans to continue arts‑focused programming at the new site. "We've tried to negotiate in good faith," Landrigan said, and he and partner Michael Godot said they had accepted the security and noise mitigation conditions recommended by SFPD.
Sergeant Patrick Kennedy presented the police department's PCN (public convenience or necessity) report, noting one letter of protest and five letters of support; he recommended standard ABC conditions including hours limited to 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., prohibitions on off‑premises consumption, loitering limits, and controls on noise audibility beyond the licensee’s property.
Opponents — several residents from 690 Market (the Ritz‑Carlton residences) — urged stricter conditions. Steve Pearlman, speaking for a homeowner association, cited "noise, loitering, and security" as core concerns and said the bar's entrance would abut the building's garage. Several residents asked for requirements such as an on‑site security guard, limits on amplified DJ music, and clearer pedestrian management at closing hours.
Supporters included the Mechanics Institute, arts organizers and long‑time Dada patrons who said the bar hosts fundraisers and art shows and maintains a strong safety record. Ralph Lewin, executive director of the Mechanics Institute, said Dada had installed speakers and the library above could not hear the sound during tests. Bernadette Bohan, an artist who held a recent opening at Dada, said the venue provides critical space for local artists.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin acknowledged constituent safety concerns but said he would support the PD's recommendations. Supervisor David Campos moved to forward the transfer with a positive recommendation; Chair John Avalos seconded and the motion passed without objection.
The committee’s action sends the recommendation to the full Board of Supervisors. Any final licensing decision will be made by the full Board per the Board’s procedure.
