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YOU’RE INVITED!

The 2019 San Francisco Nightlife and Entertainment Summit 10 presented by the San Francisco Entertainment Commission

Date: Monday, April 1st, 2019 Time: 12:30 PM—6:00 PM Location: Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St., San Francisco

Admission: FREE. Please register at this link: https://e.sparxo.com/m/sfnes10

Now in its 10th year, the San Francisco Nightlife and Entertainment Summit is an opportunity for nightlife industry professionals, outdoor event organizers and city agencies to collectively address a variety of entertainment concerns, brainstorm solutions, and create partnerships to make improvements that enhance the San Francisco entertainment experience.

Please register through the link attached. We hope to see you there!

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The San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development recently released a Request for Proposals for business development and workforce programs. Program Area C in this RFP seeks a nonprofit organization to administer a grant program for San Francisco music venues to pursue sound mitigation projects.

For more information about this program area and minimum and preferred qualifications, please review pages 12-13 of the full RFP here: https://oewd.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Bid%20Opportunities/RFP%20211%20FINAL%20Reissued%20with%20correction%20to%20p14%20p27%20-%202019%2002%2013.pdf

Proposals are due Tuesday, March 5, 2019 by 5PM. For more information about the RFP process and timeline, and to download key documents, please visit: https://oewd.org/bid-opportunities/rfp-211

Questions related to this RFP will be accepted through Tuesday, February 19, at 5:00PM. To submit a question, email oewd.procurement@sfgov.org and include “RFP 211” in the subject line.

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SF Outdoor Events Network: Cannabis and Special Events

*Updated 2/13/19*

The public is invited to comment on the proposed legislation to establish a Cannabis Event Permit in SF at the Board of Supervisors' Budget & Finance Committee Hearing, scheduled for Wed., Feb. 27th at 10am. Exact time and order on the agenda are TBD -- when the agenda is finalized, we will share on this page. Location is City Hall, Board Chambers (2nd Fl.)

The current draft of the legislation is linked here.

In addition, you may contact your local Supervisor to share your thoughts. (https://sfbos.org)

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On January 28, 2019, the SF Entertainment Commission and the SF Outdoor Events Network, in partnership with the SF Office of Cannabis, hosted a lively panel discussion on “Cannabis and Special Events.” The panel discussion centered on policies and best practices for holding safe and successful cannabis events in San Francisco. The event was held at Manny’s, a permitted Entertainment venue in the Mission District, and a crowd of approximately 100 people attended (with more tuning in online) including event producers, cannabis industry reps, and City officials. Panelists included Nicole Elliott, Director of the SF Office of Cannabis, District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, as well as cannabis event organizers Dustin Moore of The Emerald Cup and Fernando Alvarez of VaporTent Lounge. Entertainment Commission President Ben Bleiman moderated the discussion.

With the recent passage of state legislation AB2020 allowing local governments to decide if and where they want to allow temporary cannabis events in their jurisdictions, the moderator posed the questions: “What’s next for event organizers wanting to add cannabis activity to their events in SF? What do we know and what don’t we know in terms of the rules? What are some opportunities for revenue for cannabis sales and consumption?”

Director Elliott and Supervisor Mandelman updated the audience on policy developments around San Francisco temporary cannabis events, and Supervisor Mandelman announced he was introducing legislation on January 29th to create a regulatory framework for special events with cannabis activities. In other words, the City is attempting to create a way that the Office of Cannabis can provide local approval for a Temporary Cannabis Event Permit for an indoor or outdoor event with cannabis sales and consumption prior to the CA Bureau of Cannabis Control giving final approval. Any event sponsor wishing to add cannabis activity to their event would be required to have a CA State Cannabis Event Organizer License to apply for local approval, and would need to receive a local cannabis event permit and state temporary event license to operate the cannabis sales and/or consumption. The event sponsor would still need to obtain approval from the land owner (SFMTA/ISCOTT, Recreation & Park, Port, or private property owner) prior to obtaining approval for a Temporary Cannabis Event Permit. Under state law, adult cannabis use would be restricted to persons age 21+ (medical use restricted to persons age 18+ with medical approval).

The legislation will now work its way through the legislative process. The legislation could become law in the next few months, pending approval from the Board of Supervisors and Mayor. Director Elliott and Supervisor Mandelman encouraged the participants of the event to engage in the legislative process and voice any support or concerns with their Supervisor directly or at a Board of Supervisors hearing. We will post updates for how you can stay engaged on this issue through this blog and our Facebook page.

Dustin Moore of The Emerald Cup and Fernando Alvarez of VaporTent Lounge stressed the importance of working closely with local and state authorities on fulfilling all requirements and creating “buttoned-up” security and health safety plans. They also recommended researching the carriers and costs of cannabis liability insurance well in advance, as the field is limited and rates are high in this emerging area. In terms of revenue, event sponsors are not allowed to revenue-share on cannabis sales, but vendor booth fees and sponsorships are examples of ways they can earn revenue. And in regard to cannabis and alcohol co-existing at the same event, Dustin Moore of The Emerald Cup suggested a workable model of 1) separating and containing the licensed alcohol consumption premises and the licensed cannabis consumption premises; 2) ensuring that attendees are not forced to enter either premises; and 3) ensuring attendees have an option to navigate around both premises and in and out of the event itself, via a neutral pathway where no alcohol or cannabis consumption may occur.

Stay tuned for future blog posts as the landscape of cannabis activity continues to evolve in San Francisco

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11 Districts of Entertainment - Entertainment Tour #1 with District 1 Supervisor Fewer

At the beginning of 2019, the Entertainment Commission launched a new program called 11 Districts of Entertainment. The goal of this program is to build and foster relationships between the EC and members of the Board of Supervisors, discuss current issues and ideas, and illustrate to members of the Board that Entertainment is in fact everywhere in San Francisco. In the year ahead, the EC plans to take each member of the BOS out to Entertainment venues in their respective Districts beginning with District 1 in January, moving to District 2 in February (and so on…).

On Friday, January 25, 2019, the Entertainment Commission hosted its first installment of the 11 Districts of Entertainment program in District 1. EC Staff and Commissioners including Director Weiland, Deputy Director Azevedo, Senior Inspector Burke, President Bleiman, and Vice President Caminong took Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer and her staff out to Entertainment venues in the Richmond. The group started the evening on Clement Street with dinner and dancing at Paramount Superstars, where Supervisor Fewer delighted in sharing some of her favorite traditional Chinese dishes. We were served multiple courses, and all of the food was outstanding. The performance during dinner included live singing from Paramount Superstars’ owner Wesley Yi, along with fellow musicians who belted out both Chinese and American hits while playing the drums and guitar. Where else do you get to experience Shanghai meets rock ‘n’ roll, plus dinner and a performance?! Only in the Richmond! Dim sum by day... dance floor by night!

After a delicious dinner, dancing, and photos with the Paramount Super-STARS (they were really awesome), our group slowly strolled down Clement Street (we were very full from the multi-course meal!) until we arrived at local Irish bar, The Plough and Stars. We made it just in time to hear live music by local trio John Rybak + Friends. We took advantage of the large-group seating at the Plough and Stars, and chatted about Entertainment in District 1. Spending time with Supervisor Fewer and her staff was a fantastic way to kick-off the 11 Districts of Entertainment program. We are so excited for the year to come!

Up next is Entertainment Tour #2 with District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani this February. Stay tuned!