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Brewery Owner's Ban on Phones and Swearing Dies at 81
1 Jul
Summary
- Brewery owner Humphrey Smith died at 81, known for strict pub rules.
- He banned phones, laptops, and swearing in his 200 pubs.
- Tadcaster mourns a local figure who deeply cared for the town.
Humphrey Smith, the reclusive owner of Samuel Smith Old Brewery, has died at the age of 81. He took over the North Yorkshire-based brewery in 1963 at just 18 years old. Mr. Smith became widely recognized for his distinctive policy of prohibiting swearing, laptops, and mobile phone usage in his establishments.
His aim was to cultivate havens free from the intrusions of the digital world. The brewery's website emphasizes this ethos, describing its 200 pubs as sanctuaries where technology is unwelcome, and friendly conversation is encouraged. The mayor of Tadcaster, Richard Sweeting, expressed deep respect, calling Mr. Smith a gentleman and a traditionalist who was fundamental to the town's amenities and community spirit.
