‘Total contradiction’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa which are law in UK
The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.
Zambian lobbying efforts
A letter obtained by media dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.
The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.
Health advocate reaction
“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.
Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.
The advocate mentioned the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in distribution within community advocacy networks.
International corporate influence worries
It comes amid wider concerns about business sector influence with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.
“Evidence exists of industry lobbying worldwide. Manufacturer hallmarks are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.
Potential consequences
“If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”
The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.
Corporate counter-proposals
Through correspondence, the company recommends this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.
The WHO actually suggests a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.
Flavor restrictions debate
BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.
The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “ranging from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.
Company justification
Through correspondence, the managing director of the Zambian branch says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Campaigner rebuttal
The campaigner argued 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 circumstance that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.
“We live in a global village. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and collect the yield and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”
Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”
Official corporate statement
The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”
The firm positioned itself as “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.
“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.
The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.