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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

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

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.