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British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the law is enacted.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” 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 prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The company operates its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

The nation's ministry of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.