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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.