STOP PRESS.
Following today's news that the European Court of Justice has ruled that the Tobacco Products Directive is lawful and EU member states can introduce plain packaging and other measures, I have another announcement.
To mark the introduction (subject to a UK legal challenge) of standardised packaging in Britain later this month, Forest and the Tobacco Retailers Alliance will host a special reception with drinks, speeches and special guests at the Churchill War Rooms, King Charles Street, Westminster.
We're calling it Battle of the Brands and it takes place on Tuesday 17th May in the historic Harmsworth Room which is described this:
Steeped in the atmosphere of a wartime bunker, the iconic Harmsworth Room incorporates the 1940s electric generator wall featuring LEDs, switches and dials, creating a stunning backdrop.
Confirmed speakers are Dr Madsen Pirie, president of the Adam Smith Institute; John Noble, director of the British Brands Group; and Suleman Khonat, national spokesman, Tobacco Retailers Alliance.
Places are strictly limited so if you want to join us advance registration is essential. RSVP events@forestonline.org.
For further details click here.