THE SMOKING ROOM | Webinar
In Conversation with Boisdale's Ranald Macdonald
Wednesday 24th February, 6.00-7.00pm

"Thanks to millions of pounds of investment in anti-Covid measures, restaurants and pubs are among the safest places you could visit," writes Boisdale's Ranald Macdonald in the Daily Mail today.

"That is why I would urge the Government to be bold. There is no logical reason to delay a full restart for restaurants beyond Easter at the latest."

With perfect timing Ranald is our special guest on Wednesday when we launch The Smoking Room, a new series of conversational webinars, so do join us to discuss this and other hospitality-related issues, including smoking bans.

The format of the event is quite simple. We will start by chatting with Ranald for 20 minutes. You will then be invited to join the conversation by asking questions or making points of your own.

If you haven't registered yet please click here or on one of the images above or below. We look forward to seeing you!

Smoking in al fresco dining and drinking areas

Today's article in the Mail is not the first time Ranald – a patron of Forest – has spoken out during the pandemic.

In July, for example, commenting on an attempt by peers (supported by the Local Government Association) to ban smoking in new al fresco dining areas, he told the Telegraph:

"It's bewildering how out of touch the Lords and the LGA can be. They are sounding the death knell for a hospitality sector that is already on life support and needs the help of politicians to survive. 

"The smoking ban in 2007 caused thousands of pubs and restaurants to close. Now, at a time when over a million jobs in hospitality are at risk of being lost due to the pandemic, this proposed new ban will definitely cause hundreds of thousands more livelihoods to be lost. 

"Whatever happened to freedom of choice? This proposed ban will simply mean that people will smoke and drink at home – something they have become quite used to of late."

The good news is that, with Ranald's help, the threat was averted.

Can you name Ranald's four great loves? Join us on Wednesday and find out!

Above, Ranald at Boisdale during a Forest event and, below, at home during lockdown.