🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks 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 “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

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