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Place of Entertainment (POE) permit: San Francisco restaurant guide

SF Entertainment Commission

What it is

The permit for a venue where entertainment is a primary, ongoing use — live bands, DJs and dancing, shows running to 2 am; approved at a public hearing after 30 days of neighbor notice and inspections by other departments.

When a restaurant needs it

Live or DJ entertainment on an ongoing basis that goes beyond the Limited Live Performance limits (performance area over 200 sq ft, past 10/11 pm, dancing as a primary use).

How to apply

Email the Deputy Director to confirm eligibility, submit the application (BAN, owner info, performance and speaker diagram, insurance, Planning affidavit, liquor/health/Place of Assembly permits), attend the intake meeting, pay the fee, post the yellow notice for 30 days, complete inspections, then attend the Commission hearing (1st and 3rd Tuesdays).

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Application fee $2,708.00 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027); annual license $887 (FY 2025-26) now waived under Prop M; amendments $394–$1,277; other departments may bill inspection fees
Processing time
Several weeks to a few months (30-day notice plus the next available hearing)
Renewal
Annual license (fee waived from 2026)
Who files
The business owner applies and attends the hearing.

Good to know

Fees rise 2–3% every July. Deputy Director Kaitlyn Azevedo, kaitlyn.azevedo@sfgov.org, 628-652-6038. The Commission can add sound and security conditions.

Official source

SF — get a Place of Entertainment permit · Entertainment Commission fees FY 2026-27

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.