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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, 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”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.