Beat the Ban - a Prohibition lunch

As part of our ongoing campaign against the generational smoking ban, Forest is hosting a further event in London today.

Featuring several guest speakers, Beat The Ban: Fight For Choice - A Prohibition Lunch will highlight the wide range of opposition to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that is currently progressing through Parliament.

Venue is Boisdale of Belgravia where we have exclusive use of the terrace and restaurant from noon to 4.00pm. 

Although the second reading of the Bill – which will ban the sale of tobacco to all future generations of adults – was passed (with Labour support) by a large majority of MPs, there was significant opposition from Conservative MPs (57 voted against and a further 106 didn’t vote so their votes are arguably still up for grabs).

The third reading of the Bill is expected within weeks - following the committee and report stages - so there is still time to influence MPs (and peers) to vote against legislation that will prohibit not only the sale of cigarettes to future generations of adults but other tobacco products including cigars, cigarillos, loose leaf tobacco, heated tobacco, and even rolling paper.

The lunch follows two previous campaign events - the first at Old Queen Street Cafe in Westminster in November, the second at the House of Commons in February.

Guests include MPs, journalists, parliamentary researchers, retailers, and representatives of several Westminster think tanks.

The event is fully booked with 70 confirmed guests. Full report (and photos) to follow.