Several people have pointed out the news that Humphrey Smith, the owner and chairman of the Tadcaster-based Sam Smith’s Brewery, has died at the age of 81.
He was long known for his ‘traditional’ pub policies, including banning smartphones, children, dogs and swearing from the public houses he owned across the country.
His critics blamed his ‘rules’ for causing half the brewery’s 300 pub estate to remain empty.
We in Bath have our own frustrations. His company has owned the old KES School in Broad Street for many, many years without carrying out its redevelopment. There has been much talk of a compulsory purchase order, but these things cost.
One wonders, with his son Samuel now in complete control of the company, if things might now get moving.
The brewery has a policy of not talking to the press. Leaving me unable to verify the death of its original owner or in what direction the company may move now. The future of the old KES building still hangs in the balance.
I’d recommend commenting on the BBC article about Humphrey Smith’s death: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0ky1v2e275o . There’s a contact form at the bottom.
If Tadcaster Brewery won’t talk to the press, hows about getting a member of the public to write to them? Or the Council? I’d volunteer, but I’m half blind and struggle to see a short piece such as this…….