Brewery boss who banned phones and swearing from pubs dies aged 81
Summary
Humphrey Smith, who led the Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster since the 1980s, has died at age 81. The brewery, known for its strict pub rules like banning mobile phones and swearing, operates around 200 pubs across the UK and was family-run since 1758.Key Facts
- Humphrey Smith owned and ran the Samuel Smith Old Brewery and pub business from the 1980s until his death.
- The brewery has about 200 pubs around the UK, many known for unique rules such as no phones, music, TVs, or swearing allowed.
- Samuel Smith Old Brewery is based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, and was founded by Smith's family in 1758.
- The brewery operates as an unlimited company, which means it keeps its financial details private.
- Smith changed the business model by making pub tenants directly employed managers to maintain the company’s policies.
- Some pubs have closed suddenly, sometimes due to rule violations like photos posted online or other unexplained reasons.
- The brewery is a major landowner in Tadcaster and has influenced local decisions like blocking construction of a temporary footbridge.
- Tadcaster’s mayor described Smith as a private man, respected for his principles and contributions to the town.
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