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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

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

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts 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

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by 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.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, BAT suggests this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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