UK town falls silent as tributes paid to strict and reclusive pub owner Humphrey Smith

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

He became widely known for his distinctive policy of banning swearing, laptops, and mobile phone use across his establishments, aiming to create havens from the digital world.

Mr Smith had overseen the North Yorkshire-based brewery in Tadcaster since he was just 18, taking the reins in 1963.

Despite his rarely-seen public persona, he gained a reputation for personally enforcing this traditional culture among customers in his pubs.

The company’s website continues to highlight this ethos, stating its 200 pubs are "havens from the digital world – there are no TVs or background music."

It adds: "The use of mobile phones, laptops and other tech is not allowed in our pubs. Friendly pub conversation is encouraged (no swearing!) together with the responsible enjoyment of our beers."

The mayor of Tadcaster, Richard Sweeting, said he had known Mr Smith for many years.

Mr Sweeting said: “Tadcaster is mourning a person that cared for this town.

“He had Tadcaster at heart. And he was a proper, proper gentleman.”

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

He said he heard about the death on Tuesday.

“It was very quiet – shopkeepers and different people just nodding and it was lovely, a mark of respect,” he said.

“The flag went at half mast at the brewery, and that told us.

“We’ve all said it’s an end of an era, because it is for us.”

Mr Sweeting said Mr Smith was a “very private man” who did many things for the town which many people did not know about.

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

“There are a lot amenities in this town that wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for Mr Smith and the brewery.

“He was Tadcaster through-and-through, and he was a part of our community.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour.

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

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