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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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 the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said 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 circumstance that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.