A brief view of the power of Samuel Smiths Old Brewey – Tadcaster by SamSmithsInfo:
BBC’s Inside Out documentary – broadcasted 12th October, 2009 – in the Yorks and Links area. Gives just a very brief insight into the power of Sam Smiths brewery – and in particular how one of the two Director brothers – Humphrey W Smith – exercises his ‘Lord of the Manor’ type power, with apparently no regard for the hurt it may cause to many staff, customers, and literally, anyone who gets in his way. More information can be gleaned from our website: http://samsmiths.info which is a moderated open forum for managers, staff and customers – and was set up in the absence of an official website – and to overcome communication problems, since the brewery has banned all their pubs from owning/ running websites – which were normally done to help support their clientèle, and the brewery’s business.
Ultimately, the website and its members, support the brewery and it’s produce, and Public Houses – but are very concerned about the shift in governing policy exercised by Humphrey Smith, which has seemed to cause a steady increase in problems for staff and customers alike! Mr Smith (who avoids publicity, and commentary at all times) has made his viewpoint very clear in a circular (which we have seen an original) with regards to his customers – the is not bothered or concerned about what they may like or dislike. It is alleged that he has suggested; that as long as the beer is good, and the price is cheap, he will always have customers – dispite however long it takes to get served, or what the pub and surroundings is like, or has to offer. A very big departure from the usual market concerns for customers from his competition.