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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality 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 garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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