‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are mandatory in UK
Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.
African regulatory opposition
Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.
The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.
Anti-tobacco campaigner response
“As an elected official, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.
More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, 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.
Global industry interference concerns
It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.
Possible outcomes
“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”
The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.
Corporate counter-proposals
Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.
International experts actually suggests a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.
Scented product controversy
The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “black market” products. The company proposes prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “ranging from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.
Corporate defense
In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Critic response
The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.
The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he commented.
“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”
Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”
Standard business position
A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”
The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.
“We support progressive regulation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illicit trade”.
The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.
