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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation 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 progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.