The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 came into force on 8 April 2011. This law is enforced by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Sunbed operators must ensure that only customers over the age of 18 use sunbed facilities. Failure to do so will result in legal action with courts imposing fines up to need to be aware that £20,000.
The new Act aims to combat the rising numbers of young people being diagnosed with skin cancer from over-exposure to UV rays by preventing under 18 year olds from being allowed to use tanning salons and sunbeds at premises. This includes beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels. The new Act also prohibits under 18s access to rooms where sunbeds are used.
Environmental Health officers will investigate complaints from members of the public and will be performing inspections of premises to make sure they are complying with the requirements.
Guidance to sunbed operators has been issued by the Department of Health at:
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The publication "Artificial Tanning Sunbeds: Risks and Guidance" of the World Health Organisation in 2003 recognised the vulnerability of young skin and recommended that young people under 18 should not use sunbeds.
In 2006 the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) to the European Commission noted that the risk of melanoma seemed particularly high when sunbeds were used at a young age and further recommended those under 18 years should not use sunbeds.
