‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

British American Tobacco has been accused of “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the African officials requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

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

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, delayed for at least one year after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities specifically advises a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to lower tobacco use and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We reside in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and gather the crop and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.