Following the implementation of a curfew on corner stores in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, Supervisor Matt Dorsey is proposing a similar measure for the South of Market (SoMa) area. The move comes after an Italian study found a 56% reduction in drug-related crime following the Tenderloin curfew, leading to considerations for an 18-month pilot curfew in SoMa, as reported by The SF Standard.
According to Dorsey, the plan is a response to successful preliminary outcomes since in August 2024 the Tenderloin's curfew took effect despite the understanding that, "In a way, we are punishing businesses for things that are the city's fault, the city's responsibility," Dorsey said; this sentiment echoed in the community where some store owners feel the consequences, The SF Standard notes Miriam Zouzounis of the Neighborhood Business Alliance characterized the situation as "collective punishment."
Dorsey's staff has reportedly met with SoMa merchants this month to hear their concerns and feedback about the proposed restrictions, which would not affect bars or restaurants, focusing instead on convenience stores to curb late-night drug activities, as detailed in the ABC7 News report. Henry Karnilowicz, president of the South of Market Business Association, supports the measure, saying, "What else are you going to do? You going to let this keep on going and going and going further and not take any action? It's working in the Tenderloin. Make it work in South of Market."
However, not all business owners are convinced of the curfew's benefits, with Abdulwahab al-Mehdhar of Habibi Market expressing skepticism: "That's not true. I have another business in the Tenderloin and that's not happening at all," al-Mehdhar told ABC7 News. Concerns about the potential for a decrease in business and loss of income for employees are pitted against hopeful outcomes Dorsey insists might lift the SoMa neighborhood from its current state, suggesting, "It's not fair, and I get that. But I'm asking you to do it anyway for 18 months because I think it's going to work to improve conditions on the 6th Street corridor and else in South of Market."
