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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

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

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation 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.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.