Overview

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 is a UK law designed to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of sunbed use. It restricts sunbed access for under-18s, mandates safety measures, and empowers local authorities to enforce these regulations.

Description

This Act primarily focuses on regulating the use of sunbeds, specifically those electrically powered devices emitting UV radiation for tanning. Key aspects include:

Sunbed Use by Children

The Act prohibits sunbed businesses from allowing anyone under 18 to use sunbeds on their premises. Businesses must also ensure no offers are made to under-18s and that they aren't present in areas where sunbeds are located unless providing services to the business. A breach carries a potential £20,000 fine. Exceptions are made for medically supervised sunbed use for treatment.

Further Regulations

The Act allows for further regulations on sunbed use, sale, and hire. This could include mandating supervision of sunbed use, prohibiting or restricting the sale or hire of sunbeds to under-18s, and imposing additional safety measures.

Information for Users

Regulations can require sunbed businesses to provide users with information about the health risks associated with sunbed use, and to prohibit them from providing misleading information.

Protective Eyewear

Sunbed businesses must provide protective eyewear meeting prescribed standards and encourage its use.

Enforcement

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act. They can appoint officers with powers to inspect premises, demand information and documentation and even enter premises by warrant in certain circumstances. Obstruction of these officers is an offense.

Government Spending

The Act states that any increase in government spending resulting from its implementation will be covered by Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Sunbed Businesses: Face significant restrictions on their operations, including fines for non-compliance and the need to implement safety measures and information provision.
• Children and Young People (under 18): Protected from the risks associated with sunbed use.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for enforcing the Act and may incur additional costs in doing so.
• Medical Professionals: The Act provides an exemption for medically supervised sunbed use.

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