Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.
Campaign in Zambia
A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.
Health advocate reaction
“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.
Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.
Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.
Worldwide lobbying patterns
It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.
Potential consequences
“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”
The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.
Company alternative suggestions
Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.
The WHO actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.
Flavor restrictions debate
The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The pending regulation recommends punishments for various offences “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.
Corporate defense
Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia says the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Campaigner rebuttal
The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.
The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.
“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property 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 generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”
Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”
Standard business position
A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”
The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.
“We support evolving legislation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”.
The nation's ministry of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.
