The Rules Committee voted to recommend an ordinance that would create five entertainment zones in San Francisco and directed staff to continue work on adding a Bayview zone.

Ben van Houghton, director of nightlife initiatives at the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), presented the ordinance, which would amend the Administrative Code to authorize entertainment zones at: Valencia Street between 16th Street and 20th Street; Pier 39 and the northern waterfront of the Embarcadero (from the Embarcadero south, Kearny Street east, Powell Street west and the San Francisco shoreline north); Folsom Street in portions of SoMa and related side streets; Ellis Street between Stockton and Powell Street; and Yerba Buena Lane (between Market and Mission streets) including the northern side of Mission Street and Jesse Square as described in the file. The presentation said the Planning Department’s CEQA determination was affirmed for the ordinance.

Van Houghton described entertainment zones as a tool, authorized by state and local requirements, that allow qualifying restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries to sell “to-go” open beverages for consumption in shared outdoor areas within the designated zone. He said beverages must be sold in non-metal, non-glass containers, establishments must verify patrons are 21 and open containers may not leave the zone. OEWD is tasked with developing a management plan for each zone to align with required permits such as street-closure or sidewalk permits.

Members of neighborhood business organizations and property stakeholders spoke in favor during public comment. Scott Rhodes, executive director of the Yerba Buena Partnership, said Yerba Buena Lane has eight small businesses and is well-suited to activation. Representatives of Soma West described the SomaNights street fair and said the designation would help merchants organiZe events and marketing. The president and CEO of Pier 39 said the northern waterfront zone would help restaurants and retailers facing a challenging tourism environment. John, representing John’s Grill on Ellis Street, said downtown businesses hoped the zone would help struggling businesses attract customers. Other supporters included Chini Amahara and Jill Linwood from neighborhood organizations.

Chair Walton moved to duplicate the file so staff could continue discussions to create a Bayview entertainment zone, and later moved the original file forward with a positive recommendation to the full board. Committee members voted “aye” and the motions passed without objection.

The committee’s action sends the ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors for further consideration. OEWD staff said they would develop management plans and coordinate with the Port and other departments as needed.