🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.