Stucley Arms Closure

The licence for Stucley Arms was refused renewal by South Molton Magistrates at their meeting on 5th March 1940. At the meeting the Magistrates Clerk informed the Bench that nothing had been done to make the necessary improvements to the premises since their inspection in December 1938. The landlord (owner) was Sir Hugh Stucley and the licensee who ran the hostelry and lived on the premises was Edward Osbourne. The reason for refusal was related mainly to health and hygienic matters. The toilet facilities were totally inadequate and insanitary. Agents for Sir Hugh Stucley, Messrs Smyth Richards, had written to the Bench pointing out that without a gravitational water supply it was impossible to guarantee a supply of flushing water. This situation was agreed by the Agent and asked for the situation remain  until the end of the war when they suggested the local Council could lay on a mains water supply. Police Sergeant Palmer (Witheridge) was present at the hearing and he reported that while some internal decorations had been completed there was no water laid on in the bar and no facility for washing drinking utensils. He also informed the Magistrates that there was a gravitational water supply in the village and this to the best of his knowledge had never run dry. It was noted that in terms of living conditions there was no tap in the property and Mr Osbourne had to fetch water to the property for his use. The Chair of the Bench stated that it was now 16 months since the notice to improve was issued following the inspection and he also compared the situation to other premises in the district with similar conditions who had made their necessary improvements. He concluded that in view of the circumstances the refusal to renew the licence will be upheld.