🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during wider concerns about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader 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 associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the corporation engages in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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