🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

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

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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