Trinity barrister and head of Chambers' Licensing team, Charles Holland successfully represented High Street Hospitality, the developers of a new hotel due to open in Newcastle's "Diamond Strip", in its application for an alcohol licence.
An appeal hearing took place before Newcastle City Council's licensing committee on Tuesday 10th September 2019 following neighbours' concerns that the development would lead to increased anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, and prevalence of vermin.
Charles argued that the plans for the high-end Metropolitan Hotel had been reconfigured by reducing room sizes which, in turn, would attract smaller groups rather than stag and hen parties. He added that the venue with its brasserie, rooftop terrace and basement entertainment studios was not comparable to existing bars and clubs on the Strip. In his submission to the Committee: “We are not a Diamond Strip venue, in that we are not seeking to take away any of their market. We close much earlier, our capacities are far lower, and our access is significantly more restricted."
In granting the alcohol licence, Councillor Melissa Davis said that High Street Hospitality had “demonstrated exceptional circumstances due to the unique nature of the development”.
As well as a regular licensing industry speaker, Charles is also the Assistant Editor of the Journal of Licensing. The Journal is the official publication of, the licensing industry’s professional body, The Institute of Licensing.
Charles’ licensing expertise is regularly recognised in the leading Legal directories with recent entries including:
"Very thorough and very proactive." "He has excellent knowledge in licensing." Licensing Band 1, Chambers & Partners 2019 "Very well known for his extensive expertise in licensing law." Licensing, Legal 500 2019 "An extremely effective advocate. Very practical and straight to the point." "He's very clever and won't leave a stone unturned." Licensing, Chambers UK 2018