The IEA will be hosting an upcoming panel discussion on ‘Prohibition 2.0: the future of UK tobacco policy’ which is taking place on Wednesday 29^th November from 17:30 – 19:30. This will be held at the IEA (2 Lord North Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3LB).

In October, Rishi Sunak announced plans to introduce a generational ban on tobacco sales which will forbid anyone born after 2008 from ever buying cigarettes, loose tobacco, heated tobacco, shisha and cigarette papers. The policy is based on a similar prohibition introduced by the New Zealand Labour Party last year and represents a step change in the UK’s approach to tobacco. Until now, British governments have also respected the right of adults to smoke.

Where does this leave smokers today and in the future? Is the government opening a new front in the war on drugs and what are the implications for crime, tax and personal liberty?

Chaired by Reem Ibrahim (IEA Communications Officer and Linda Whetstone Scholar at the Institute of Economic Affairs). Panelists include: Christopher Snowdon, IEA Head of Lifestyle Economics), Madeline Grant (Assistant Comment Editor and Parliamentary Sketchwriter at The Telegraph), Paul North (Director of Volteface) and Craig Whittaker MP (Member of Parliament for Calder Valley).

The discussion starts at 18:00 and will be preceded by drinks from 17:30. Spaces are limited and will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis. To RSVP, please order a ticket via this link, RSVP Here or call 020 7799 8910