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

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“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 Master Chimbala.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy 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

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch says the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We reside in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “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 provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that minors should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.