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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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