Samuel Smith Old Brewery and its chairman Humphrey Smith have pleaded guilty to failing to provide information about its schemes to the Pensions Regulator.
The Tadcaster-based producer has been the subject of an investigation following the submission of the 2015 valuations of some of its final salary plans.
The regulator asked for financial information from the company to seek assurances that the schemes could be financially supported under section 72 of the Pensions Act 2004, which it failed to provide. The information has now been handed over.
Humphrey Smith was charged "on the basis that he consented to or connived in the offence by the company, or caused it by his neglect", according to the pensions watchdog. Both parties pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Brighton Magistrate's Court.
The case is the sixth criminal conviction resulting from a failure to comply with section 72 notices.
Nicola Parish, the regulator's executive director of frontline regulation, said: “This sends a clear message to employers that we are serious when we ask for information. We require it for good reason as part of our work to protect pension savers."
The case was adjourned for sentencing until July 4.*
*This story has been updated to show that the sentencing hearing has now been rescheduled from June 6 to July 4.
