‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against regulations in Africa that are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during broader worries about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“Evidence exists of industry lobbying everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes.

International experts specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the product container front “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties 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 proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “The corporation runs its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which includes increasing amounts of black market activity”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.