British American Tobacco Lobby Exposed: Africa vs UK Tobacco Rules

British American Tobacco pushed Zambian ministers to drop or delay ad bans, health warnings and restrictions on flavoured products, a letter seen by the Guardian shows. The letter, sent from the company's subsidiary in Zambia to the country's government ministers, asked for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be abandoned or delayed. It also sought changes to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms that break the law. According to the letter, the company's subsidiary in Zambia argued that the proposed restrictions would be too costly for the company to implement, and that they would unfairly impact the company's business operations. The letter also claimed that the restrictions would not effectively reduce tobacco consumption in Zambia. "This is utter hypocrisy," said a spokesperson for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a non-profit organization that advocates for tobacco control measures. "British American Tobacco is pushing to weaken tobacco control measures in Africa, while at the same time promoting stricter regulations in the UK. This is a clear example of the company's willingness to do whatever it takes to protect its profits, even if it means putting public health at risk." The draft bill in question is part of a broader effort by the Zambian government to reduce tobacco consumption in the country. Tobacco use is a major public health concern in Zambia, with over 20% of the population smoking. The government has set a goal of reducing tobacco consumption by 30% by 2025. British American Tobacco has a long history of lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa. The company has been accused of using its influence to block or weaken regulations that would limit its ability to market and sell tobacco products. The company's actions in Zambia are not an isolated incident. In recent years, British American Tobacco has been accused of similar tactics in other African countries, including South Africa and Kenya. The company has also been criticized for its role in promoting tobacco use in low- and middle-income countries, where tobacco companies often target vulnerable populations with aggressive marketing campaigns. The Zambian government has not yet responded to the company's letter, but officials have expressed their commitment to implementing the draft bill. The bill is expected to be voted on in the coming months, and it is unclear whether the company's lobbying efforts will be successful. In the UK, where tobacco control measures are already in place, British American Tobacco has taken a different approach. The company has publicly supported stricter regulations on tobacco products, including the introduction of plain packaging and stricter advertising restrictions. However, critics argue that the company's support for these measures is largely a PR stunt, and that the company is still pushing to weaken regulations in other countries. The controversy surrounding British American Tobacco's lobbying efforts in Zambia highlights the complex and often contentious nature of tobacco control policy. As the company continues to push for weaker regulations in Africa, public health advocates are calling on governments to prioritize the health and well-being of their citizens over the interests of tobacco companies.