‘Utter hypocrisy’: Cigarette corporation opposed rules in Africa which are mandatory in UK

The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for campaigning against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting modifications of a draft bill that include decreasing the recommended coverage of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions 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 sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations.

The advocate mentioned the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in distribution within public interest organizations.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during expanded apprehension about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN international gathering,” stated Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“When public health regulation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover 75% of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, the company recommends this be lowered to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities actually suggests a caution must occupy at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from 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 various offences “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the corporate leader of British American Tobacco Zambia states the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “some regulations can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Critic response

The campaigner argued the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that multiple comparable regulations were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We live in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that young individuals should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to achieve intended public health goals, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “represent the situation of the Zambian market and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.