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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

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

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size 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

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to less than half “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list 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 proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

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 circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

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