Dec 6, 1999 |
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Apellant Statement |
Dear President McInereny and Commissioners,
On Nov 22, 1999, the police department conditionally granted permits to
operate the DNA Lounge at
Please be aware that we look forward to running a very positive business,
with good relations with neighbors and with neighboring businesses, while
also providing good service to our clients. We have a background in
computers and are looking forward to opening a high-tech environment that
will appeal to many of San Francisco's residents who have a personal or
professional interest in internet and computer-related technologies. Many of
these folks have schedules that make it possible for and convenient for them
to watch bands perform and go out dancing fairly late into the night,
especially on weekends. We think that this is exactly the kind of cultural
opportunity that is good and necessary for San
Please keep in mind that we will have licensed security guards staffing the club. They will specifically be working to prevent any illicit activity or noise, and we will work closely with the police on this. Our block is largely non-residential and a few smokers should not pose a nuisance.
In general, we believe that encouraging our club to post security guards outside will make the neighborhood as a whole safer.
As to entry restrictions, we would like to be able to admit people to our club at any time that the club is open. In addition to being good business, we believe that this will help alleviate congestion on the street at 2:00 AM. We believe that it is better for the neighborhood if people go home when they choose, rather than being forced out onto the street while they are still in a partying mood.
We find these too restrictive.
The DNA Lounge is currently operating lawfully and with very few complaints from the neighbors with permits that allow it the option of staying open until 6:00 AM every night with no restrictions on the time of new entry. Our decision to purchase this business was based on the potential we saw in the club. The ability to operate after hours is a very important part of this.
There have been very few complaints against the DNA Lounge. We feel we are being unfairly denied because of certain tensions between the police department and a few nightclubs. Please note, we have no connection whatsoever to these clubs and are actively looking to be a positive presence in this neighborhood, both for our neighbors and our patrons.
As we plan to operate a similar business to the DNA Lounge, and in the same location, we feel it is only reasonable for us to be granted permits identical to the ones that are in effect at that location today. However, we are willing to compromise to some extent on the hours of operation and entry if the police department has some specific issues that they would like addressed.
Jamie has some experience with event promotion. By trade, he is a computer programmer, and was one of the first employees of Netscape.
Barry is a publisher, and has had many years of retail management experience.
In the process of attempting to close this deal on the DNA Lounge, the two of us have spent around a year and a half learning everything there is to know about the nightclub industry in San Francisco. We've talked at great length to a large number of nightclub operators and promoters, and we certainly feel more than qualified to operate this business at this point.
Jamie Zawinski Sensoria, LLC |
Barry Synoground Sensoria, LLC |