Committee recommends disapproval of Jackalope’s liquor‑license expansion after neighborhood debate

On Nov. 10 the Public Safety & Neighborhood Services Committee voted to forward a resolution to the full Board of Supervisors recommending disapproval of an expansion of the on‑sale liquor license for Real Drinks Inc., doing business as Jackalope, at 1092 Post Street (including 1104 Polk Street).

The proposal sought a 500‑square‑foot expansion into an adjacent check‑cashing space. ALU (the licensing unit referenced in committee materials) had issued a prior recommendation of denial, citing the concentration of alcohol outlets and that the location is in a high‑crime area. The committee chair said they had not gained support from the district supervisor’s office and would not be able to support the license at this time; an unidentified committee member moved to forward the item with a recommendation that it “would not serve the public convenience and necessity,” and the motion was seconded and recorded.

Supporters — including Middle Polk Neighborhood Association Chair Mo Jamil — urged approval. Jamil told the committee, “Jackalope is a positive addition to the Polk Corridor,” and said neighborhood groups had conducted outreach and found the business responsible. Other supporters — neighbors, patrons and the bar’s staff — described the establishment as low‑key, community‑oriented and a frequent host of charity fundraisers. Charlie Coffey, a board member of a youth rugby nonprofit, said a larger space would allow bigger fundraisers and more capacity for community events.

Applicant representatives and supporters also emphasized neighborhood safety measures. An applicant speaker said the business had four phone calls and zero police reports in the year covered by the packet and that the applicant plans to add security, arguing the expansion would enhance safety and services rather than harm them.

Opponents and ALU raised the density and safety concerns that informed ALU’s recommendation. Deputy City Attorney John Gibner warned the committee about the consequences of procedural choices, telling members that if they merely “table” the item the state could treat that in some circumstances as if the board had concluded the license does serve the public convenience and necessity; to effect an official disapproval the committee should forward a resolution specifically finding the license does not serve PCN.

The committee recorded that Item 1 would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation to disapprove the public convenience and necessity finding. That resolution and the full record will be considered by the Board on Nov. 29.

What happens next: the committee’s recommendation and the resolution will be placed on the Nov. 29 Board of Supervisors agenda for final action.