Its pubs are infamous for banning mobile phones and TVs

Humphrey Smith, one of the most controversial figures in the British pub trade, is reported to have died aged 81.

Humphrey Smith, one of the most controversial figures in the British pub trade, is reported to have died aged 81.

Samuel Smith’s brewery owner Humphrey Smith has died at the age of 81, according to Tadcaster’s mayor.

His death was announced yesterday, and he leaves behind a somewhat polarising legacy - a stout defender of pub values over the relentless march of smartphones and fruit machines.

Its pubs are infamous for banning mobile phones and TVs

Humphrey Smith’s ideocentric command of his Samuel Smith pub empire polarised a nation, but managers and loyal customers tell Alex Ross that his unique style of running a…