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British American Tobacco has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

African regulatory opposition

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to tobacco-related illnesses, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least half of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings must cover 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to a decade in prison”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated 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 many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are succumbing … is in itself absolute spiritual failure.”

Public health laws in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Standard business position

A BAT Zambia spokesperson 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 appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, mentioning that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and smoking product business, which includes rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was contacted for response.