First pilot night market comes to Sunset District’s Irving Street business corridor on September 15

(SAN FRANCISCO) First pilot Sunset Night Market will be held on September 15 at the Irving Street business corridor. Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) announced a state legislation to streamline the permit processes for creating more night markets statewide.

Haney and District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio held a joint press event on July 17 at the Irving Street corridor where the first pilot night market will take place.

Haney announced his legislation, AB 441, in the press conference to encourage more local governments and organizations across the state to create more night markets and farmers markets.

Under the existing laws, vendors of the night markets and farmers markets are required to apply for permits to the state and local Departments of Public Health. The permits are not designed for regularly occurring events. AB 441 would create a dedicated permit for these events allowing them to recur throughout the year without repeating paperwork and fees.

"Part of bringing culture and business back into our downtown means removing barriers and cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy. Hopefully this legislation will inspire other

communities across California to explore opening up their own night markets," said Haney.

The idea of having night markets in the Sunset District was from Engardio who visited Taiwan after winning his election in November last year. Engardio enjoyed the food at the famous Taiwan's night markets and planned to bring the idea to his district.

Engardio announced the first pilot night market to take place on September 15, from 5pm to 10pm, at the Irving Street business corridor from 20th Avenue to 23rd Avenue.

If the pilot program is successful, Engardio plans to expand the night markets monthly and rotate the venues around his district.

"Going from idea to reality isn’t easy — especially when trying something new. I’m proud to partner with all the innovators who are making our night market happen in San Francisco’s Sunset neighborhood," said Engardio.

Celebrity Chef Martin Yan joined the press event to show his support to the future Sunset Night Market. He will also attend the night market with a booth for cooking demonstrations.

If any local restaurant, artisan, or entertainer is interested in having booths at the upcoming Sunset Night Market on September 15, more related information can be found at https://engardio.com/contact.