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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties 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 continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence 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 connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.