Sunbed shops found to be flouting the law - Community

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Sunbed shops found to be flouting the law

Woman using a sunbed

Published on 13/03/2013 07:30

More than 75 per cent of sunbed premises mystery shopped in Preston are flouting legislation.

A ‘test purchase’ operation was carried out on 13 of the city’s sun bed shops and only three salons complied with the law.

The remaining 10 offered the use of a sunbed to the 15-year-old volunteer.

The ‘mystery shop’ test was carried out on February 20 and March 6 by Preston Council’s environmental health officers and Lancashire County Council Trading Standards.

The Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010 came into force in April 2011.

The Act places a duty on sunbed operators to ensure no person under the age of 18: uses a sunbed; is offered the use of a sunbed; or is present in a restricted zone.

The council is currently carrying out investigations into why there is a significant rate of non compliance and considering what action to take against the offending tanning salons.

Coun John Swindells, Cabinet Member for Regulation, said: “I am alarmed that it is two years since legislation was brought in and the test purchase operation has shown that a high proportion of these businesses are not taking their responsibilities with customers and, in particular, vulnerable children seriously.

“Sunbed operators must remember sunbeds are an age restricted product just like tobacco and alcohol and over exposure to UV rays is proven to be the main cause of skin cancer.

“Salon operators must remember sunbeds are an age restricted product just like gambling, tobacco and alcohol.

“It is a known fact that over exposure to UV rays is proven to be the main cause of skin cancer.”

Coun Swindells added: “The laws were made to protect children who are more vulnerable to UV rays.

“Operators should realise that they need checks in place to prevent children from going on sunbeds and for customers to receive proper advice on tanning.”

There are 17 tanning salons in Preston, not including gyms.

Failure to comply with the Act is a criminal offence and the penalty is up to £20,000.

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