I wonder if the Inland Revenue part is true or a mistake that crept into the story? Also, I wonder if Brian told the store, "I'm not getting any royalties", or if they assumed that? But, if Brian Jones told the Smiths that, and it was true, then it sounds like the Stones were doing a "Mick Taylor" on Brian, no Golden Handshake. Brian should have been telling them, "I'm getting a big check soon."
Now, all those stories about the evil builders running up Brian's tab probably stem from the Smith's store. Too bad nobody asked the Smiths about the builders, and they could confirm or deny.
from the article -
"He died owing us about £400 give or take, which we basically wrote off."
Mr Smith believes Jones had assets of around £166,000, but owed the Inland Revenue nearly £200,000 in tax.
"He left the band before he died, so he wasn't getting any royalties," he added