Strict pub boss who banned phones, music and swearing dies aged 81

The renowned former pub boss who left a legacy of banning smartphones, recorded music and foul language in his venues has died at the age of 81.

Humphrey Smith, chairman of Samuel Smith's Old Brewery, was born on December 17 1944, and led the Tadcaster-based family business.

Councillor Richard Sweeting, Tadcaster's mayor, said the town was "in mourning" following the death of Mr Smith, who had been unwell for some time.

"It's the end of an era. Mr Smith has been part of Tadcaster for many years and has done a lot for this town. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time," he said in tribute.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

For his supporters, Mr Smith represented a steadfast defender of the traditional British public house, safeguarding period interiors and genuine conversation against the encroachment of modern technology, the likes of fruit machines and Sky Sports.

Under his stewardship, Samuel Smith's expanded into one of the country's most recognisable pub chains, with more than 200 venues spread across Britain.

The venues often occupied attractive period buildings, featuring original elements such as roaring fires, timber panelling and Victorian fixtures.

But it was Mr Smith's catalogue of prohibitions that earned his pubs their distinctive reputation well beyond Yorkshire's borders.

Mobile phones, laptops, televisions and fruit machines were all outlawed from his pubs, with dogs, children, and dirty footwear also facing restrictions at many locations.

Customers caught swearing risked being barred, while landlords who failed to uphold these standards reportedly faced rather harsh dismissal.

One infamous episode occurred in 2019 at the Fox and Goose in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, where Mr Smith allegedly heard a patron swear, causing landlords Eric and Tracey Lowery to lose their positions and accommodation above the pub after just seven weeks in charge.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Glasgow hospital ward plunged into lockdown over 'suspected Ebola virus' case
• 'Serious' plane crash in Essex village sparks huge emergency service response
• Three-year alcohol ban imposed on two English seaside towns after rampaging youths spark chaos

At Sheffield's Cow and Calf, managers Louise and Steve Brownhill claimed their dismissal followed Mr Smith's discovery that his favoured chocolate fondant dessert was unavailable from the menu.

His formidable reputation stood in contrast to the modest man often spotted strolling through Tadcaster, dressed in tweed and wellington boots, clutching a worn towel en route to his regular lunchtime swim at the local pool.

Local residents recalled that his vehicle of choice was not a luxury car but a humble Austin Allegro.

In his later years, he reportedly relied on public buses for transport, occasionally turning up unannounced at far-flung pubs up and down the UK.

He is said to have held control over near 70 per cent of Tadcaster's commercial property through the brewery and related interests, earning him descriptions from residents as the town's "laird" and a "Dickensian figure".

Despite undoubtable issues of contention, Mayor Sweeting noted Mr Smith's quieter contributions, having done a lot for the church and local community.

"They do a lot of unseen things," he said of the brewery.

Companies House records indicate Mr Smith stepped down as a director on June 17 this year, shortly before his death.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter