‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

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

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent 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 nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for different infractions “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are succumbing … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that young individuals should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves increasing amounts of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.