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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist 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 advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include lowering the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, 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.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its operations according with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.