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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against tobacco control measures 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 demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments 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 numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

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

“We champion developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.