Key Points:
- BAT letter sought to drop/delay ad and sponsorship bans in Zambia.
- Proposals included smaller warnings, fewer flavour limits and lighter penalties.
- Zambia’s bill targets e-cigs and 75% pack warnings; BAT suggested 30–50% and a delay.
- UK rules: 65% warnings; flavoured cigarettes banned since 2020.
- WHO cites 7,000+ annual tobacco-related deaths in Zambia; warns of industry interference.
2Firsts, November 13, 2025 — According to The Guardian, British American Tobacco (BAT) asked Zambia’s government to abandon or postpone tobacco advertising and sponsorship bans, and proposed changes to the draft bill to reduce the size of graphic health warnings, remove broad flavour restrictions and water down penalties.
The bill would apply to e-cigarettes and require warnings to cover 75% of packs. BAT suggested 30% or 50% with at least a 12-month delay. UK law requires 65% coverage, and flavoured cigarettes have been banned since 2020.
Anti-tobacco advocate Master Chimbala called the move “utter hypocrisy”, warning it would weaken the law’s impact. WHO estimates more than 7,000 tobacco-related deaths annually in Zambia and has recently warned of growing industry interference. BAT said it complies with local laws, supports youth protection and advocates “progressive regulation” reflecting market realities and illicit trade concerns.
Image source：the guardian
