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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests 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 proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, 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 African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.