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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions 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,” said the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection 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 draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation 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 commented.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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