Three seat holders at the Royal Albert Hall have failed to secure an immediate High Court ruling in their dispute over alleged unlawful exclusion from performances. Arthur George, who owns 12 seats in two boxes, and William and Alexander Stockler, who together own four seats in one box, had sought summary judgment, a £500,000 damages payment, and an injunction against the venue.
Mr Justice Mann rejected the request for an injunction and summary judgment on Tuesday, ruling that the case should proceed to a full trial. He found that the Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences, known as the Royal Albert Hall (RAH), has a realistic prospect of defending the claim. The seat holders argue they have a proprietary right to use their seats or sell their tickets under the Royal Albert Hall Act 1966.
The RAH contends that the dispute is complex and stems from strained relations with the claimants. While acknowledging that members have been excluded from some events, the venue argues that this practice was approved by members through a Memorandum and Guidelines document and has only recently been challenged. The RAH also claims that any interference with rights has not caused damage and that the claimants consented or acquiesced to the arrangement.
David Satwell, representing the seat holders, argued that the corporation exceeded its powers by granting more exclusive lets than permitted, a practice it acknowledged in 2008. Simon Taube KC, for the RAH, noted that the claimants did not vote against the guidelines until the 2023 annual general meeting. The full trial will determine the outcome of the dispute.
