🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

A letter obtained by media dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking 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,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

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

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international guideline limits”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said 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 reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he said.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, adding that young individuals should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.