Report an Unsafe or Unlicensed Events

What to report (high-risk conditions)

Use this checklist to describe what you observed:

1. Alcohol being sold or furnished without an ABC license

2. Underage individuals consuming alcohol (including visibly intoxicated minors)

3. Severe overcrowding; no posted occupant load

4. No visible fire suppression systems or fire alarm systems

5. Unmarked, blocked, or chained exits

6. No valid assembly permit / place of assembly approvals (where required)

7. No Place of Entertainment / entertainment permit (where required)

8. Warehouse/industrial space used as a nightclub-style venue without zoning approval

9. Recurring events despite prior complaints and agency notification

Why this matters: the combination of minors + alcohol + egress/fire hazards can create an imminent life-safety risk.

Do this in order (fast decision tree)

#1 - Call 911 (active danger or life-safety risk)

Call 911 if any of the following are true:

1. People can’t move safely / crush risk

2. Exits appear blocked, locked, unlit, or hard to find

3. Fire hazards (overloaded power, generators indoors, pyrotechnics, open flame)

4. Minors intoxicated / medical distress / fights escalating

5. Unsafe structure (warehouse, basement, rooftop, unfinished construction)

#2 - If it’s active but not immediately life-threatening:

CALL SFPD Non-Emergency: 415-553-0123

Use this for: loud/illegal party, suspected unpermitted event, safety concerns that need response but not an immediate 911 emergency.

Say:

1. Location (exact address + cross streets) “This appears to be an unpermitted event”

2. Key hazards (overcrowding, blocked exits, minors, alcohol sales)

3. Estimated crowd size

4. Whether it’s ongoing right now

Tip: you can also use SF guidance on choosing the right service (911 vs non-emergency vs 311).