(400 block of Hayes)
Update: October 17, 2025
No Oversight, No Protections
Since the September 16 hearing, we’ve heard nothing from the applicants.
The Entertainment Commission has now confirmed that enforcement is entirely complaint-driven through 311. There is no proactive oversight, no accountability, and no real-time intervention. In other words, neighbors and merchants are expected to chase problems after they happen.
Even a basic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the neighborhood isn’t part of their process. Developers building stores face stricter community requirements than bars now being granted daily amplified-sound privileges. This is a failure of process, not participation… and we’ll continue pressing for transparency and accountability.
Update: September 17, 2025
What happened:
- The Commission moved forward with sound permits for Anina and Brass Tacks.
- Staff minimized every issue, insisting these permits are “separate” from the Entertainment Zone. In reality, every new approval adds yet another layer of entertainment imposed on our neighborhood.
- Community voices were brushed aside.
- And most troubling of all, one of the applicants called out a neighbor who had just made a public comment, then laughed instead of engaging. That is not the behavior of a good neighbor.
Why this matters:
Hayes Valley is already burdened by a street closure and now an Entertainment Zone. Adding daily outdoor amplified sound — with nothing but complaint-driven enforcement — compounds the disruption by design, with no recourse for those most affected. We are literally being asked to entrust bar operators with managing neighborhood peace and controlling sound in public streets. That is not community-led.
Our demand:
We are not asking for promises — we are asking for a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with neighborhood stakeholders. Without clear ground rules on hours, frequency, and complaint procedures, this process simply pits bars against everyone else and leaves the community unprotected.
Thank you to everyone who raised concerns and spoke up.
We will keep pressing for accountability and provide another update soon.
Monday September 15, 2025
What’s happening?
Two bars on the 400 block of Hayes (Anina and Brass Tacks) have applied for new permits that would allow:
- Outdoor amplified sound in their parklets/patios.
- Up to 4 hours/day of live programming (DJs, bands, comedy, drag shows).
- Up to 6 hours/day of amplified prerecorded music.
- Nearly every day of the week.
The hearing is Tuesday, September 16 at 5:30pm
Why does this matter?
- Parklets were meant for dining and shared use — not to become entertainment stages.
- This redefines street space and sets a precedent: if one or two parklets can host daily amplified sound, others will follow.
- Enforcement is complaint-driven, which means once approved, neighbors and retailers are stuck chasing inspectors after the fact.
- Retailers and residents already deal with amplified sound from HVNA’s closure permit. Adding two more 7-day amplified permits risks making the block unlivable for shops and neighbors.
What we’re asking for:
- Delay this decision until the Hayes Valley Entertainment Zone management plan is released and the public has a clear picture of how outdoor sound fits into that framework.
- If permits move forward, require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to set ground rules: limits on hours, activation frequency, and a process for addressing complaints.
What you can do:
- Submit a letter (see template below).
- Attend the hearing Tuesday, Sept 16 at 5:30pm
the submission period has ended