Commission Rejects Outdoor Smoking Ban, Backs Cannabis Cafes and Battery Safety

San Francisco's Small Business Commission drew a sharp line on April 27: public health mandates that land on small businesses without mitigation will not get this body's support. Commissioners unanimously killed an outdoor bar smoking ban, then pivoted to endorse cannabis cafes 5-1 and a battery safety law 6-0 — but only after demanding the city pair enforcement with equity programs.

• Outdoor bar smoking ban rejected 6-0 as commissioners cite business burden, sidewalk spillover, and lack of local data

• Cannabis cafe permits advance 5-1, opening food, beverage, and live entertainment at consumption lounges

• Uncertified lithium-ion battery sales ban backed 6-0 with call for rebate programs so low-income riders aren't priced out

• Street closure permits streamlined unanimously, eliminating mandatory hearings for 80–90% of small events

• Nine businesses join Legacy Business Registry, from a 1948 dive bar to the world's longest-running LGBTQ film festival

• Commissioner Zouzounis warns federal food-stamp enforcement surge is threatening corner stores in Districts 5 and 6

The basics: File 260361, introduced by Supervisor Myrna Melgar, would have prohibited smoking on outdoor patios of bars and taverns and repealed outdated indoor smoking exemptions. Jen Lowe, legislative aide to Melgar, told commissioners the measure was "cleanup and catchup," noting San Francisco is among the last Bay Area cities without the restriction.