Humphrey Smith, the owner and chairman of Samuel Smith’s Brewery, has passed away. He was 81.

The brewery and pub owner, who headed up the Tadcaster business for decades passed away following a long-illness, according to a local report by York Press.

Filings show he also resigned from his position at the business as director last month.

The brewery, which dates back to 1758, still uses stone Yorkshire squares, made of solid blocks of slate, to ferment all its ales and stouts (except Sovereign and Extra Stout) and the same yeast strain has been used since the 1800s.

However across the company’s pub estate, Smith often made headlines for his strict approach that included banning music, television, dogs, swearing and children.