🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant lobbied against regulations in Africa which are law in UK Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK. Zambian lobbying efforts A letter obtained by media sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred. The tobacco firm seeks modifications of a pending law that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “If I was a politician, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala. More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to WHO calculations. The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulation among civil society groups. Worldwide lobbying patterns This occurs during wider concerns about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Last month, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions. “Evidence exists of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” said the tobacco industry watchdog. Possible outcomes “If a tobacco control measure doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.” The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes proposals to go further UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging. Company alternative suggestions Via documentation, the company recommends this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved. International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and seek to occupy as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces. Scented product controversy The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020. The proposed legislation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”. Company justification In the letter, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated 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 unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” Campaigner rebuttal The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”. The circumstance that many such provisions were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said. “We live in a connected world. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop 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 neighbour’s children are succumbing … is in itself complete moral failure.” Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. It only protects the people.” Standard business position The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with current country statutes. Moreover, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.” The company was “not opposed to regulation”, the spokesperson stated, mentioning that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine. “We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, mentioning that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of illegal commerce”. Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.