San Francisco supervisors eliminate annual license fees for restaurants, bars

By: Eliot Pierce

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According to aides on Tuesday, San Francisco supervisors supported Mayor London Breed’s proposal to do away with yearly license payments for 87% of bars and nightclubs and 91% of eateries.

According to a news statement from the mayor’s office, the move is meant to make it simpler to start, run, and expand a small business. Revenue from Prop M, a company tax increase that voters approved in November, would be used to replace the fees in 2026.

According to the mayor’s office, the law provides $10 million in assistance to San Francisco company owners each year by permanently waiving 49 yearly license fees.

“To help small businesses, we’ve cut red tape, we’ve cut taxes, we’ve improved public safety, and now we are cutting more fees,” Breed said in a press release. According to the mayor’s office, small business owners now pay thousands of dollars in annual fees to run bakeries, bars, food trucks, and restaurants.

Things like having billiard tables, outdoor seats, and longer hours are paid for. According to the mayor’s office, the majority of the fees are levied by various city departments and collected via a single licensing bill from the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

According to a statement from Treasurer Jose Cisneros, “cutting $10 million a year in costs for small businesses is a big win for our city.”

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