The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.
A letter obtained by media sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed.
The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include lowering the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.
“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.
Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.
Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulating through public interest organizations.
It comes amid expanded apprehension about business sector influence with public health regulations. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.
“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.
“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the cost might be borne in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”
The tobacco control bill going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.
Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “according to global recommended threshold”, 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”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass 65% of a packet’s front and back.
BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
In the letter, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.
The fact that multiple comparable regulations existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.
“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional failure.”
Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. It only protects the people.”
A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the corporation engages in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable interested party involvement in legislation creation.”
The corporation remained “not resisting legislation”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, noting that the corporation's recommendations “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.
Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was solicited for statement.
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