Overview

This bill aims to make it illegal to administer botulinum toxin or cosmetic fillers to anyone under 18 in England. It outlines the offences, enforcement mechanisms, and the potential penalties for those who violate the law.

Description

The bill criminalizes the administration of botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers to individuals under 18 in England. Specifics include:

• Offence of Administering Substances to a Child (Section 1): It's an offence to administer botulinum toxin or a filler injection for cosmetic purposes to someone under 18. Exceptions exist for registered medical practitioners and regulated health professionals acting under a doctor's direction, or if reasonable steps were taken to verify the person's age and a reasonable belief existed that they were 18 or over.
• Offence by Business Owners (Section 2): Business owners face penalties if their employees administer these substances to minors or if the business arranges for such procedures to occur. A defense exists if the owner took all reasonable precautions.
• Offences by Bodies Corporate (Section 3): If a company commits the offence, directors, managers, or secretaries can also be held responsible.
• Enforcement (Section 4): Local weights and measures authorities are responsible for enforcing the provisions concerning businesses.
• Consequential Provision (Section 5): The Secretary of State can make further regulations as needed.
• Extent, Commencement, and Short Title (Section 6): The Act applies primarily to England and Wales, with specific sections applying to other parts of the UK. The bill's effective date will be set later.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost will likely depend on enforcement and any consequential regulations.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect several groups:

• Minors (Under 18): The bill protects them from undergoing cosmetic procedures deemed unsafe at their age.
• Businesses offering cosmetic procedures: Businesses will need to ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
• Medical professionals: The bill clarifies the exceptions that allow qualified professionals to administer these substances under specific conditions.
• Local Weights and Measures Authorities: They will be responsible for enforcement.

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