🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage 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.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about industry interference with public health regulations. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.