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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding 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,” commented Master Chimbala.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.