As part of the ongoing campaign against the Government's proposed generational smoking ban, the TaxPayers Alliance invites friends of Forest to attend a panel discussion on Monday 19th February looking at the potential impact of the policy.

The legislation would see the legal age for purchasing tobacco rise by one year every year from 2027, meaning anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 would never legally be able to buy tobacco products.

Apart from treating adults like children, and creating the farcical situation whereby, within a generation, a 40-year-old would be allowed to legally purchase tobacco but a 39-year-old would be prohibited from doing exactly the same, there is also the financial cost to society.

TPA research has shown that banning the sale of tobacco products could have a profound effect on the public finances and tax policy. The panel will therefore explore the wide ranging implications of the ban, from tax revenue and the black market, and what a future tax system might look like.

The discussion starts at 6.00pm, with refreshments from 5.30 and further drinks (and networking) from 7.00pm.

Speakers include:

• John O'Connell, Chief Executive, TaxPayers Alliance (chair)
• Darwin Friend, Head of Research, TaxPayers Alliance
• Henry Hill, Deputy Editor, ConservativeHome
• Tom Hirons, External Affairs Operations Director, JTI
• Kay Patel, Retailer, Wanstead
• Other guests TBC

Simon Clark, director of Forest, said: “If you are opposed to the generational smoking ban, or even undecided, please support this event.

“Following other events in Westminster, including last week’s reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Forest, the campaign against the generational ban is building momentum so it’s important to support events such as this.

“If you are ambivalent about the ban because you think it won’t affect you directly, you may think again after listening to the TPA panel.”

To reserve your place, please email [email protected].

• Host: TaxPayers Alliance
• Date: Monday 19th February 2024
• Time: 5.30pm drinks, 6.00pm start. More drinks from 7.00pm.
• Where: 55 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3QL
• Refreshments provided

Below: Tufton Street, Westminster