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

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of business advocacy everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

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

“We champion evolving legislation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.