Committee finds Unimart transfer would not serve public convenience or necessity after neighborhood objections

After lengthy public comment from nearby residents, service providers and business association leaders, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted Dec. 11 to direct the clerk to prepare a resolution determining that issuing a Type 21 off‑sale general license to Royal Mart LLC (doing business as Unimart) at 1201 Howard Street would not serve the public convenience or necessity, and to forward that determination to the full Board.

Officer Brandon Erickson presented the PCN report on Unimart and told the committee the file included seven letters of protest and zero letters of support; the site was described in the report as in a high‑crime, high‑concentration tract. Omar, identified only by his first name and introduced as the son of the business owner, told the committee the owner is committed to operating responsibly and listed planned measures including enhanced lighting, expanded camera coverage, strict ID verification, hourly exterior cleanups and a policy to refuse service to people loitering or causing disorderly behavior.

Multiple speakers opposed the transfer. Susanna Singer, president of Episcopal Community Services, said three ECS facilities including a 200‑bed sanctuary shelter are within half a block and that increased alcohol availability would harm residents attempting sobriety. Nikhil, a West SoMa resident, displayed images and described recurring public drinking, loud music and urination outside the store since the change in ownership. Sean, a neighbor, cited local data he said showed calls to police at 8th and Howard were up 71% year‑on‑year for a recent 90‑day window and said response wait times were longer; he described a recent hate‑crime report and a nearby overdose.

Other speakers—business owners and neighborhood association leaders—reported similar observations of increased loitering, litter and public drunkenness since the store's ownership change and urged denial. Henry Kurnilowitz, president of the South of Market Business Association, called the issue a management problem and opposed the transfer; Nancy Kim Parker, a Howard Street business owner, said the previous owner managed loitering more effectively and opposed the transfer.

After public comment, Chair Supervisor Matt Dorsey said he had received multiple letters mirroring testimony and indicated he was inclined to support the community's position. He moved that the clerk prepare a resolution making a determination that issuance of the Type 21 license would not serve public convenience or necessity; a roll call recorded Member Wong, Vice Chair Bridal Mahmood and Chair Dorsey voting in favor and the motion passed. Dorsey then moved to send that determination to the full Board with a positive recommendation and the committee again voted to forward the resolution.

The committee action will place the committee's negative PCN determination and supporting record on the Board docket for final consideration. The committee record includes applicants' commitments and multiple community statements documenting neighborhood concerns.