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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting changes to 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 reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the law is enacted.

The WHO specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.