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In 1847, Samuel Smith, a tanner from Meanwood, Leeds, bought a brewing business in Tadcaster from the Hartley family. That brewery, founded in 1758, is said to be the oldest in Yorkshire.Samuel's son, John Smith and latterly his brother William, took over the brewery in 1852 forming John Smiths. John then left the brewery to the eldest son of his other brother, Samuel and the joint custiodianship of the business to both William and Samuel. However William bought Samuel's half and moved the business to a new brewery, next door, which is where John Smiths is now brewed, then leaving the business to his sister's sons. Meanwhile Samuel's son Samuel Smith, inherited the old brewery on William's death in 1886, and re-opened the brewery under his own name. He then ran it in competition with his cousins' business, John Smiths. Samuel Smith's is the only one of the Tadcaster breweries which has remained an independent family firm.The brewery also operates some pubs, which are notable for their fierce independence: The beers are all produced by the Tadcaster brewery and no large-corporation spirits or soft-drinks are available. Prices are kept minimal by only increasing in line with alcohol duty and inflation increases. In November 2004 the company took the decision to ban music in its pubs to save Perfoming Rights levy.Samuel Smith still deliver multiple-trip bottles in beer crates - a very environmentally friendly system.
