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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We live in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.