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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.