‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK
Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.
Zambian lobbying efforts
Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.
The corporation is pursuing amendments to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.
Activist commentary
“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.
Over seven thousand citizens a year succumb to smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.
The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in distribution within public interest organizations.
Worldwide lobbying patterns
It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with public health regulations. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures.
“Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.
Possible outcomes
“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”
The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.
Corporate counter-proposals
Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be lowered to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.
The WHO actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and seek to occupy as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a product container sides.
Flavored tobacco discussion
BAT asks for the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.
The draft bill recommends punishments for multiple violations “ranging from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.
Business explanation
Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”
Critic response
Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.
The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he stated.
“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the generations of my children while my neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself total emotional collapse.”
Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.”
Standard business position
The corporate communicator said: “The company operates its business in compliance with applicable local laws. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the suitable systems which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”
The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, the representative commented, mentioning that young individuals should be safeguarded against obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.
“We advocate for developing rules to realize planned public health goals, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities 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 involves growing volumes of illegal commerce”.
Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.
