Second hearing on nightclub laws
By: Brent Begin
Examiner Staff Writer
April 27, 2009
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| Proposed new regulations would change the police code to prohibit loitering in front of nightclubs and allow the Entertainment Commission more administrative power to discipline venues. (Examiner file photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Today is take two for a hearing on a two-year effort to increase the Entertainment Commission’s ability to deal with problems at San Francisco nightclubs.
Several new regulations pushed by Supervisor Sophie Maxwell and Mayor Gavin Newsom would change the police code to prohibit loitering in front of nightclubs and allow the commission more administrative power to discipline venues.
But the new laws have been anything but easy to pass, with police refusing to attend a previous board hearing.
Among sticking points for police is a provision that would allow the commission to issue one-time extended-hours permits. Police say they are worried too many permits will be handed out in the same area on the same night.
Last week, the San Francisco Police Department told The Examiner that officers would be paid overtime this weekend to deploy additional officers as part of a nightclub task force. A police spokeswoman said the task force was being formed to create a highly visible presence after a violent weekend.
The task force also cracked down on unlicensed parties throughout The City this weekend, many of which could benefit from the proposed extended hour permits.
