🔗 Share this article

British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians 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 various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC recommended threshold”, delayed for at least one year after the bill passes.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to good corporate behaviour” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.