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

British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the nation's political leaders demands measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on scented cigarette varieties, and watered-down penalties for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Recently, global health authorities raised concerns that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, delayed for at least 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities specifically advises a caution must occupy at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

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

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and sell it out – 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 community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned population health targets, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which involves growing volumes of illicit trade”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.