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Mayor Lurie Celebrates Major Win for San Francisco's Downtown Recovery
10/07/2025
[ Article originally appeared in www.sf.gov ]
Mayor Daniel Lurie celebrated the signing of SB 395, allowing San Francisco to issue up to 20 new liquor licenses downtown and paving the way for more restaurants in San Francisco’s downtown. The new law, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and sponsored by Mayor Lurie, creates a powerful new tool to drive the revitalization of downtown, laying the groundwork for more dynamic nightlife to attract residents and visitors and transform downtown into a vibrant neighborhood. Last month, Mayor Lurie unveiled his Heart of the City executive directive—a plan to drive San Francisco’s comeback by accelerating downtown recovery. Since taking office, the mayor has taken action to turn around downtown, launching the San Francisco Police Department Hospitality Zone Task Force to revitalize critical commercial districts and improve public safety. Crime is down more than 40% in Union Square and the Financial District, more downtown office space is being leased, and workers are returning to the office at higher rates in San Francisco than in other major cities. The mayor is helping businesses of all sizes open and grow by making common-sense reforms to the city’s permitting process through his PermitSF initiative. He is partnering with business leaders to bring workers and events downtown, and prioritizing clean and safe streets to attract people back to the city. “San Francisco cannot recover without a strong and vibrant downtown—where people live, work, play, and learn,” said Mayor Lurie. “This new law will draw people, energy, and life downtown while expanding opportunities for small businesses. Thank you to Senator Wiener and our state partners for advancing this critical piece of legislation and to Governor Newsom for signing it into law.” “San Francisco has made great progress toward recovering from the pandemic, and these new liquor licenses will continue that progress in our downtown,” said Senator Wiener. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economic recovery, and SB 395 will help many new businesses get low-cost liquor licenses to boost our recovery around Union Square and Yerba Buena. I’m grateful for Mayor Lurie’s steadfast partnership and relentless focus on San Francisco’s recovery and to Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation.” "Our entertainment, hospitality, and small business community are leading our downtown recovery and this legislation gives them more ways to attract customers, excite visitors, and contribute to our city," said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. For nearly 80 years, California law has capped the number of liquor licenses available in San Francisco, forcing new restaurants and entertainment venues to pay exorbitant fees for licenses on the secondary market. Now, under SB 395, San Francisco will be able to offer affordable licenses within the designated hospitality zone, creating opportunities that have been unavailable for decades to entrepreneurs looking to add energy and life to the city’s downtown. “We are thrilled to see momentum at the state level to help cities like San Francisco strengthen their nightlife and create opportunities for both new and longtime businesses to thrive,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “Senator Wiener’s leadership on SB 395 and Mayor Lurie’s steadfast support are exactly the kind of smart, common-sense actions that keep Union Square vibrant and welcoming. We have had a stellar year here in the heart of San Francisco, and this legislation will help us build on that success while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.”
“SB 395 primes San Francisco’s core for a more diverse economy that welcomes dining and nightlife venues, creates jobs, and gives residents and visitors more reasons to spend time here,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “As office vacancies decline, new housing is being built, and entertainment zones bring foot traffic to our streets, this legislation is an important step for downtown’s economic resiliency. A downtown with more places to eat, drink, and experience culture is a downtown that thrives.” Back To News |
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