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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

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

Corporate counter-proposals

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

The WHO specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Company justification

Via documentation, the corporate leader of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The corporation remained “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.