‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant lobbied against rules in Africa which are law in UK

Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions 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,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

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

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities issued a warning that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“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 summit conference,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

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

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to thirty to fifty percent “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

In the letter, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated 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 fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, noting that minors should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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