🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “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 outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.