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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be decreased to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for various offences “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Additionally, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.