The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has passed legislation to enforce a curfew on select businesses in an effort to address drug-related issues in the crime-plagued Tenderloin district. The new curfew regulations will prohibit businesses in the area from selling prepackaged food or tobacco products between midnight and 5 a.m. Liquor-selling establishments will have a later closure time, from 2 to 5 a.m.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling the drug problems in the neighborhood. The legislation, set to run as a two-year pilot program, will be enforced through fines by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and investigations by the San Francisco Police Department.
Police Chief Bill Scott expressed support for the measure, stating that it would aid law enforcement efforts in combating drug-related activities and enhancing public safety. However, some members of the police force and local community have raised concerns about the curfew's effectiveness.
Business owners in the Tenderloin district have voiced frustrations over the homelessness and drug crises, making it challenging to operate their establishments. A recent study labeled San Francisco as the 'worst run' city in the U.S., citing issues with operational efficiency and city services.
Mayor Breed's office defended her administration's actions to address drug use, highlighting the establishment of the Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC) to dismantle illegal drug markets in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods. Since its inception, the SFPD has seized significant amounts of narcotics and made numerous arrests related to drug activities.
The city's efforts to curb drug-related problems continue, with a focus on enhancing public safety and reducing criminal activities in the Tenderloin district.
