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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid wider concerns about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

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

The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the corporation proposes this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for multiple violations “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the African subsidiary says the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “some regulations can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Activist reaction

The advocate stated BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We reside in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield 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 neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its business in compliance with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended population health targets, while acknowledging the spectrum of entitlements and duties on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses growing volumes of illicit trade”.

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