🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Cigarette corporation lobbied against rules in Africa that are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for opposing tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK. Campaign in Zambia Correspondence acquired by reporters dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed. The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include reductions in the suggested dimensions of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws. Activist commentary “If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner. Over seven thousand citizens a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates. The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through public interest organizations. International corporate influence worries It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with public health regulations. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was increasing attempts to weaken global control measures. “There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” stated the corporate monitoring director. Possible outcomes “Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved 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 including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging. Corporate counter-proposals In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “within the WHO-FCTC guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes. International experts in fact recommends a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back. Flavor restrictions debate BAT asks for the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavored cigarette varieties, suggesting that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. The corporation recommends restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020. The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”. Business explanation Via documentation, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the related medical consequences” but asserts that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.” Activist reaction Chimbala said the corporation's recommended amendments would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”. The reality that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated. “We live in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral collapse.” Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had not resulted in corporate closures, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.” Standard business position The company representative commented: “The corporation runs its operations according with current country statutes. Further, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the appropriate structures which provide for relevant group engagement in regulation development.” The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be safeguarded against access to tobacco and nicotine. “We support developing rules to accomplish desired public health goals, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the African nation's economy and tobacco industry, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”. Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.