BREAKING Controversial British brewery proprietor famed for weird pub guidelines dies aged 81
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated by our reporters as the breaking news story develops
Sam Smith’s pubs adhered to strict rules(Image: Samuel Smiths Brewery)
The controversial owner of the iconic Samuel Smith’s Brewery – famed for a strict code of conduct in its 200 pubs – has died aged 81. Humphrey Smith was also the chairman of the Tadcaster-based brewery and was well-known for his “traditional” policies.
His death was confirmed by a worker at the brewery in a phone call to the local newspaper the York Press. Samuel Smith’s is the UK’s largest independent brewery and pub chain, established in 1758.
It adheres to the firm’s strict traditions and has banned telephones, music and even swearing in its 200 pubs across the country.
In a tribute, The British Pubs Facebook site posted: “An absolute titan of the British brewing world has passed away.
“Humphrey Smith, the famously traditionalist and eccentric owner of Yorkshire’s Samuel Smith’s Brewery, has died.
“Love him or hate him for his strict rules—banning smartphones, tablets, music, and even swearing—he ran his pubs entirely his own way to preserve the classic, tech-free British Pubs experience.
“Whether you cherished the peace or found the rules baffling, there is no denying his massive impact on our pub heritage.”
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.
Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
Follow Daily Star on Android – CLICK HERE
Follow Daily Star on Apple – CLICK HERE
Follow Daily Star on Snapchat – CLICK HERE
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/thedailystar.
