🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“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,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation 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 commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.