Figures from the beer sector have paid tribute to Humphrey Smith, who has died aged 81.
Tributes began to pour in for the owner and chairman of the Tadcaster-based Sam Smith's Brewery on Tuesday.
Fellow brewery boss, Craig Lee of Tockwith-based Rudgate Brewery said: “The brewing industry has lost one of its most distinctive characters.
“Humphrey Smith leaves behind a remarkable legacy through Samuel Smith's Brewery, a business with a long and proud history. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
Tim Spakouskas, managing director of the Nun Monkton-based Yorkshire Heart Brewery and Vineyard told the Press: “It’s sad news. I know he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I enjoy visiting his pubs.
"He has great pubs and he produced great beer.”
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Tim continued: “Humphrey was a great, traditional brewer. Hopefully his son Samuel will carry on with the best of the traditions and slacken some of the rules (in the pubs) a little bit.”
York Camra Branch chairman Chris Tregellis said: “A man of strong views that sometimes seemed to belong in the last century, or even the one before, but were consistently applied with a noteworthy strength of character.
“Perhaps this is an opportunity for the brewery to reassess strategy and modernise without losing its positive attributes.”
Meanwhile, Acomb Labour and Co-operative councillor Jason Rose has added his tribute, which follow those from Tadcaster Mayor Richard Sweeting, who said Tadcaster was “in mourning” due to the loss of a “proper gentlemen.”
Mr Rose said: “A monumental day in the British pub industry and particularly in the York area.
“My thoughts now and for a few weeks are with the family and friends and workers, and after that I'm sure we can start talking about how it impacts the rest of us.
“He [Humphrey Smith] was a giant in the industry, and I'm sure people who knew him and are mourning him including family who live in our local area will read all comments so please be respectful.”
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