Hotel Operated by New Newport Mayor “Operating Without Liquor License”

Hotel Operated by New Newport Mayor “Operating Without Liquor License”

The hotel managed by new Newport Mayor Charlie Holder is being brought before the Newport Board of License Commissioners — for operating without a liquor license. 

Holder, the top vote-getter for the City Council's at-large seats in the 2024 election in November, is the Head of Operations at Gardiner House, one of the city’s newest hotels situated on Lee’s Wharf off of Thames Street. 

On Wednesday, “Bloody Bull, LLC, d/b/a Gardiner House” is ordered before the license board for a show cause hearing - for “operating without a valid class BT liquor license. “

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According to documents filed by City Manager Colin Kennedy, Gardiner House has “been operating since December 1, 2024 without an alcoholic beverage license and victual license” in violation of Rhode Island General Law and City of Newport ordinance.

Kennedy said the hotel has failed “to receive R.I. Division of Taxation approval…and to pay daily late fees.” 

Earlier this month, the City of Newport delivered a certified letter addressed to Gardiner House President Howard Cushing that there would be a hearing on the matter before the Board of License Commissioners on January 22. 

Holder, who is the Chair of the Board of License Commissioners, did not respond to request for comment. 

 

Hotel and License

In July 2024, Cushing was glowingly featured in Tatler Magazine as he "opened Newport hotel inspired by his godfather’s famed and fêted London club.

“Inspired by his artistic great-grandfather, Howard Gardiner Cushing and his stylish godfather Birley, he pays homage to both with his new hotel, Gardiner House opened in downtown Newport with his fellow Newporter Wirt Blaffer,” wrote Tattler. “The boutique hotel's Studio Bar, which was directly inspired by Mark’s Bar, and the new Mediterranean restaurant, Flora, have quickly become the new social hub for the town. ‘The general intimacy, shape, flow and lighting [of Mark's bar] were definitely an inspiration,’ said Howard. ‘It’s lighting the room via the art, there are satire pieces, it’s not pretentious. It’s supposed to be fun and classic at the same time.’”

Holder, who was appointed the Gardiner Hotel's Director of Operations in April 2024, touted his extensive “industry” experience in his campaign bio. 

“He has worked in every aspect from dishwashing to bartending to managing. He has managed some of the busiest high-volume places in Newport from Oceancliff Resort and Atlantic Beach Club to Midtown Oyster Bar & Surf Club and now his current position at Gardiner House," wrote Holder's campaign. 

The Gardiner Hotel did not respond to request for comment at time of publication.