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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls 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 allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement 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 live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

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

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.