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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” 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 pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

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 multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.