🔗 Share this article

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed 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 also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list 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 recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which enable relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.