Humphrey Smith death: Brewery giant who banned music and swearing in pubs dies aged 81

Tributes were paid to Humphrey Smith, the reclusive and eccentric owner of the Samuel Smith Old Brewery, who died at the age of 81.

He became widely known for his distinctive policy of banning profanity and the use of laptops and mobile phones in his institutions, aiming to create sanctuaries from the digital world.

Mr Smith had run the brewery, based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, since he was just 18 and took the reins in 1963.

Despite his personality, which is rarely seen in public, he gained fame by personally keeping this traditional culture alive among the customers in his bars.

The company’s website continues to emphasize this ethos, stating that its 200 bars are “refuges from the digital world; no televisions or background music.”

He adds: “The use of mobile phones, laptops and other technology is not allowed in our bars. Friendly bar chat is encouraged (no swearing!), as well as enjoying our beers responsibly.”

Tadcaster Mayor Richard Sweeting said he had known Mr Smith for many years.

Mr Sweeting said: “Tadcaster mourns the loss of a man who was so dear to this town.

“He had Tadcaster in his heart. And he was just the consummate gentleman.”

Mr Sweeting said he and Mr Smith could trace their family back to the 18th century in the town’s history.

He said he heard the news of his death on Tuesday.

“It was very quiet; shopkeepers and different people were just nodding their heads and it was very nice, a sign of respect,” he said.

“The flag was flown at half-staff at the brewery and that told us.

“We all said this is the end of an era, because this is it for us.”

Mr Sweeting said Mr Smith was a “very special man” who did a lot of things for the town that many people didn’t know about.

“He was a traditionalist and a man of standards,” the councilman said.

“There are so many amenities in this town that wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Mr. Smith and his brewery.

“He was Tadcaster through and through and part of our community.

“He had a great sense of humor.

“I have some fond memories and I think now is the time to say thank you for what you’ve done.”