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

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation 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 being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use 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 cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of black market activity”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.