🔗 Share this article ‘Total contradiction’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa that are mandatory in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred. The corporation is pursuing amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties 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 perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner. More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics. The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups. International corporate influence worries The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. Recently, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures. “There is proof of industry lobbying everywhere. Corporate signatures are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog. Possible outcomes “Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.” The public health measure being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover three-quarters of product packaging. Corporate counter-proposals Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, postponed for minimum one year after the bill passes. The WHO specifically advises a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a product container sides. Flavored tobacco discussion BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020. The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”. Business explanation Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the associated health impact” but maintains that “some regulations can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” 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 reality that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented. “We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my property and harvest that and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.” Tobacco control legislation in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.” Official corporate statement The company representative commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.” The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that young individuals should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine. “We support developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes increasing amounts of illicit trade”. The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.