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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities raised concerns that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for different infractions “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We champion evolving legislation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.