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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass 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

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

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

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.