These words are not used in the same way. 'Forbid' is often used in personal, religious and moral issues, for example 'Islam forbids the eating of pork' or 'Women are forbidden to enter this temple.' Often, there is no legal way to enforce something which is forbidden. 'Ban' is used for legislation. For example, 'The government banned smoking in public places'. This refers to an official law or ruling that is enforced.

One can think of it in terms of : "forbid" is a more general use than "ban" ; "ban" is usually only used by official "groups" (for example, governments, countries, officials). To forbid means "to not allow" ; to ban is also "to not allow" but has a more official and more legal consequences usually. Examples: Parents can say to their children "I forbid you from drinking alcohol until you turn 21 !" ; Signs can say "Loitering is forbidden here". Examples for "ban" : 1 . The United States once banned the book "Huckleberry Finn". 2. Some people want to ban gay marriage because of their religious beliefs. hope that helps !

they basically mean the same thing