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

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes 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 allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be reduced to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a alert needs to encompass at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill proposes sanctions for various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued 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 fact that many such provisions were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

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