‘Utter hypocrisy’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa that are law in UK
Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “complete double standards” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.
African regulatory opposition
Documents seen by journalists originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.
The corporation is pursuing changes to a pending law that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.
Activist commentary
“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.
Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.
Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.
Global industry interference concerns
It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Last month, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to weaken global control measures.
“We see evidence of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” commented the corporate monitoring director.
Potential consequences
“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”
The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.
Business countermeasures
Via documentation, the company recommends this be reduced to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.
International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.
Scented product controversy
BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
Business explanation
Via documentation, the company executive of the African subsidiary states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Campaigner rebuttal
The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.
The circumstance that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.
“We exist in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral collapse.”
Public health laws in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”
Official corporate statement
The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the corporation engages in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”
The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.
“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illicit trade”.
Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.