Unsafe Event Reporting

Observed Conditions

• Money was collected at the door for entry.

• Alcohol being sold or furnished without an ABC license

• Underage individuals consuming alcohol, including visibly intoxicated minors

• Severe overcrowding with no posted occupant load

• No visible fire suppression systems or fire alarm systems

• Unmarked or blocked exits

• No valid assembly permit

• No Place of Entertainment / Entertainment Permit

• Use of warehouse / industrial space for nightclub-style events without zoning approval

• Recurring events despite prior complaints and agency notification

These conditions constitute an imminent risk to life safety, particularly to minors.

Primary Enforceable Violations (Citable Immediately)

• CA Business & Professions Code §25658(a) – Furnishing alcohol to minors

• CA Business & Professions Code §23300 – Alcohol sales without license

• SF Police Code §§1020, 1021, 1060 – Operating entertainment venue without permit

• California Fire Code §1004 – Exceeding occupant load

• California Fire Code §§1030–1031 – Blocked or unmarked exits

• California Fire Code §§903, 907 – No fire suppression or alarm systems

• California Penal Code §§370–372 – Public nuisance

• SF Police Code §2900 – Disorderly or hazardous premises

These conditions constitute an imminent risk to life safety, particularly to minors.

Public Safety & Enforcement Rationale

These violations are non-discretionary once observed. The combination of minors, alcohol, and fire/life-safety hazards establishes strict liability and justifies immediate cessation of operations and evacuation.

Failure to act after notice exposes the City to substantial liability should injury or loss of life occur.

Requested Actions

1. Immediate on-scene enforcement if events are active

2. Issuance of misdemeanor citations to organizers, operators, and responsible parties

3. Alcohol seizure and ABC referral

4. SFFD inspection and enforcement

5. Referral to the District Attorney for prosecution and repeat-offender review

6. Notification to property ownership to prevent continued illegal use

1. Call 911 — if there’s any life-safety risk

Immediate, real-time steps (do these in order)

Use 911 immediately if you observe:

• Overcrowding / blocked exits

• Fire hazards (generators, extension cords, pyrotechnics, candles)

• Minors present, medical distress, intoxication beyond control

• Structural risk (warehouse, basement, rooftop, unfinished space)

Be factual and calm. This routes directly to San Francisco Police Department and San Francisco Fire Department, which is exactly what you want in a Ghost Ship–type risk scenario.

2. Use SFPD Non-Emergency

(if it’s active but not violent)

If it’s loud, illegal, or unsafe but not immediately life-threatening:

📞 SFPD Non-Emergency: 1-415-553-0123
(or 311 → Police → Loud/Illegal Party)

Say:

• Location (exact address or cross streets)

• Estimated crowd size

• That the event appears unpermitted

• Any visible safety risks

This still creates a CAD record and dispatch.

3. Submit a DBI complaint

(for buildings, warehouses, illegal venues)

If the event is inside a warehouse, commercial space, or residential building not approved for assembly:

• File immediately with San Francisco Department of Building Inspection

• Choose: Illegal Use / Change of Occupancy / Assembly Without Permit

DBI often coordinates directly with Fire + Police when occupancy is violated.

Notify the Entertainment Commission (parallel track)

If this is clearly an event-based operation (tickets, DJs, promoters, security):

• Email or submit a complaint to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission

• Flag it as unpermitted live entertainment

This is important for follow-up enforcement and stopping repeat offenders—not just breaking up tonight’s party.

Unlicensed underground events aren’t “edgy”—they’re liability bombs. They undercut legitimate operators who pay for permits, security, insurance, ADA access, and fire safety. Worse, when something goes wrong, the city gets blamed after the damage is done.

Reporting early and correctly isn’t anti-nightlife—it’s how we keep nightlife alive without another preventable tragedy.