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

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.