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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill going 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.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts 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 impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.