AGENCY
Entertainment Commission
We permit and regulate entertainment for venues and events in San Francisco.
AGENCY
Entertainment Commission
We permit and regulate entertainment for venues and events in San Francisco.
Services
Permits for events
Get an entertainment permit for your outdoor event
The One Time Outdoor Event permit is for an outdoor event with entertainment/amplified sound.
Get an entertainment permit for your indoor event
Apply for a One Time Indoor Entertainment Permit from the Entertainment Commission
Get a sound truck permit
This permit lets you have amplified sound on a vehicle outdoors.
Permits for brick-and-mortar businesses
Get a Place of Entertainment permit for your business
You need a Place of Entertainment (POE) permit if you want to host entertainment on a regular basis, like at a venue, concert hall or nightclub.
Get a Limited Live Performance permit
You need a Limited Live Performance permit if you want to host entertainment on a regular basis as a secondary activity, like a restaurant with live music.
Get a Billiard Parlor permit for your business
A Billiard Parlor (BP) permit lets you charge customers to use 1 or more pool tables.
Get a Mechanical Amusement Device permit for your business
A Mechanical Amusement Device (MAD) permit lets you charge customers to use mechanical or arcade games.
Get a Fixed Place Outdoor Amplified Sound permit for your business
You need a permit if you want to host outdoor amplified sound on a regular basis with no live performer at your business.
Get an Extended Hours Premises permit for your business
An Extended Hours Premises (EHP) permit lets you host entertainment and/or serve food and non-alcoholic drinks between 2 am and 6 am.
File a complaint
Pay for an entertainment permit
Pay your entertainment permit fee
Pay your entertainment permit fee online or by mail.
Check your entertainment permit fees
View the application and license fees for our entertainment permits. Fees are updated each year.
Check inspection fees for your entertainment business
There are different inspection fees for each City department.
Residential development and nightlife
Latest City Programs to Support Small Businesses Citywide
Nightlife/entertainment businesses are encouraged to apply! New programs bring total invested in SF small businesses since the pandemic to over $115 million, helping thousands of businesses and the City’s broader work to fill vacancies, make storefront improvements, and provide disaster reliefLearn moreResources
Entertainment rules and notices
See the rules and public notices for the Entertainment Commission.
Good Neighbor Policy
For a business with an entertainment permit, learn how to be a good neighbor to nearby residents and businesses.
Reports for entertainment and nightlife industry
See the Entertainment Commission’s reports and related studies that affect the industry.
SF Outdoor Event Planning & Permitting Guide
Help for event organizers navigating the rules, permit processes, and agencies that affect outdoor events.
View a map of businesses with entertainment permits
Check which business establishments in SF have a permit to host entertainment on a regular basis.
Overdose Prevention Resources for Nightlife
Find information on trainings, education, access to Naloxone and supplies, and other harm reduction resources.
Get guidance on how to monitor amplified sound
Find tips on basic sound monitoring and decibel meter suggestions.
About
The Entertainment Commission supports a thriving entertainment and nightlife culture that balances the needs of the City’s entertainment community, its audiences, and its neighbors across all neighborhoods.
Learn more about usGet our newsletter updates
Sign upStaff
Maggie WeilandExecutive Director
Kaitlyn AzevedoDeputy Director
Dylan RiceProject and Communications Manager
Andrew ZverinaSenior Inspector
Asa JungreisInspector
Alex AdamsInspector
Commissioners
Contact information
Address
Entertainment Commission49 South Van Ness Ave.
Suite 1482
San Francisco, CA 94103
Suite 1482
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Monday to
Tuesday to
Wednesday to
Thursday to
Friday to
Saturday to
Sunday to
We are working on a hybrid schedule. Email or call us for help.
Phone
Entertainment Commission628-652-6030
Do you have a sound complaint? Call 311, or visit sf.gov/report-noise-problem