🔗 Share this article

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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on 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 different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator said: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.