Quick answer
Across the UK, it's illegal for a business to let anyone under 18 use a sunbed. England and Wales are covered by the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, Scotland by the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 and Northern Ireland by the Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Salons must also manage UV risks under health and safety law, and some councils license sunbeds too.
The under-18 ban
- England and Wales: Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010. A business must make sure no one under 18 uses a sunbed on its premises, is offered one, or is in the restricted zone where a sunbed is kept, unless they're working for the business.
- Scotland: Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008. The same under-18 restrictions apply.
- Northern Ireland: Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The same under-18 restrictions apply.
The rules cover salons, leisure centres, gyms, hotels and any other business that offers sunbeds. Read more in can you use a sunbed under 18?
What salons have to do
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, sunbed operators must assess the risks from UV and control them as far as is reasonably practicable. The Health and Safety Executive's guidance describes good practice, including:
- following the manufacturer's instructions for the sunbed and its lamps
- having trained staff present while customers tan
- giving customers information about the risks
- providing goggles
- cleaning equipment between customers
- reassessing exposure times after new lamps are fitted
- making sure children with an adult customer aren't exposed to UV
Local licensing
Some councils in England and local authorities in Scotland also require sunbed businesses to be licensed, so rules can vary a little depending on where you live.
What this means for you
A good salon should ask about your skin, explain the risks, recommend a session time for the sunbed you're using and provide goggles. If a salon doesn't, that's a sign to go elsewhere. See are sunbeds safe?
