19-03-2025
3 illegal gambling dens, 2 unsanctioned nightclubs shut down in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Three illegal gambling dens and two unsanctioned nightclubs were shut down in San Francisco in recent months, according to San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu's office. The illegal establishments, which were located in the southeast of the city, created a 'public nuisance and fueled illegal activity,' Chiu's office said.
Working with city departments on enforcement actions, the city attorney's office sent demand letters to property owners, requiring them to put a stop to the raucous illegal activities occurring on their properties.
'I appreciated that the property owners cooperated with our demands to put an end to this wildly illegal conduct,' Chiu said. 'This outcome brings real relief to the neighbors who endured the chaos caused by these illegal gambling dens and nightclubs.'
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The San Francisco Police Department executed a search warrant at one of the properties — a commercial space located at 57 Leland Avenue in Visitacion Valley — in January. SFPD, according to officials, seized nine gambling machines, a stolen firearm and ammunition. After receiving the city's letter, the property owner had the tenants vacate the property.
In August 2024, SFPD responded to a report of shots fired in the Outer Mission at a commercial unit located at 5530 Mission Street. Multiple cartridge cases were found inside and outside the unit. The city launched an investigation and executed a search warrant.
Six gambling machines, firearms and ammunition were seized. The property owners evicted the tenants.
In another incident, SFPD executed a search warrant in the Cayuga Terrace at 1201 Cayuga Avenue following an armed robbery. Ten gambling machines and methamphetamine were seized from a ground-floor unit. The city attorney's office sent a demand letter to the property owner alleging a violation of the Red Light Abatement Law due to illegal gambling.
The property owner evicted the tenant.
Following numerous noise complaints regarding a Bernal Heights commercial space at 3261 Mission Street, SFPD and an investigator from the Entertainment Commission observed a loud, illegal after-hours nightclub in November and December.
The nightclub featured a bar, a DJ, gambling machines, and alcohol being served without a proper license. Parties at the property were advertised on social media, according to the city attorney. The property also lacked an after-hours permit and an entertainment permit for live music.
The city attorney's office sent a letter to the property owner who reached an agreement with the tenants to bring them into compliance.
In another incident, SFPD responded to a crowd of people entering a space located at 4461 Mission Street in the Excelsior at a commercial space where loud music was playing late at night. Tenants at the unit denied SFPD and Entertainment Commission inspectors entry on two occasions, saying they were hosting a 'private party.'
The property didn't have proper permits for operating after-hours or live music. The city attorney sent the property owners a demand letter and the tenants vacated the premises.
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