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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.