Overview
Ministers are weighing a policy move that would require sunbed salons to verify customers’ ages before granting access. The plan is part of a broader Labour-led (or Labour-backed) cancer prevention strategy aimed at reducing risky tanning practices among under-18s and, more broadly, cutting future skin cancer risk. If enacted, the policy would tighten restrictions on unsupervised access to sunbeds and potentially introduce stricter enforcement measures across the sector.
What the plan could involve
The central aim is to ensure younger people cannot use sunbeds without confirmation of age. Key elements under consideration include:
- Mandatory age verification at reception for all customers seeking sunbed access.
- Prohibiting unsupervised entry for minors, with staff or a responsible adult required to accompany or approve access.
- Stricter penalties for salons that fail to implement ID checks or that allow under-age use.
- Clear guidelines on what constitutes valid proof of age and how it should be stored or recorded, balancing privacy concerns with safety objectives.
Public health rationale
Sunbed use has been repeatedly linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and other health issues. Proponents of the policy argue that preventing under-18s from using tanning devices is a straightforward, evidence-based step to reduce future cancer incidence. Supporters say ID checks could normalize age verification in health-related services and send a broader message about safeguarding young people from harmful behaviours.
What this means for salons and consumers
For sunbed salons, the policy would introduce an additional compliance layer. Staff would need training on how to assess ages, handle sensitive information, and respond to disputes. Salons might also face higher administrative costs and the need for updated processes to log checks while maintaining customer privacy. Consumers could experience longer service times and the need to carry acceptable ID when booking or entering a salon.
Potential challenges and considerations
Implementation would need to strike a balance between effective protection for young people and the practicalities of running salons. Concerns include:
- Ensuring consistent enforcement across different regions and salon types (standalone outlets vs. chains).
- Protecting customer data and minimizing the handling of sensitive information.
- Avoiding loopholes, such as private sessions or mobile services that could bypass reception-based checks.
- Assessing the impact on legitimate customers who may not have ready access to ID documents.
Next steps
Legislation or regulatory guidance would go through standard parliamentary or regulatory channels before becoming law. Debate is likely to focus on the effectiveness of age verification as a public health tool, the cost to small businesses, and the civil liberties implications of stricter controls. If the plan advances, salons and industry bodies would be expected to receive implementation timelines, training resources, and guidance on privacy-protective data handling.
Bottom line
The proposed ID-check policy signals a proactive approach to reducing under-age sunbed use as part of a broader cancer prevention strategy. Whether the measure becomes law will depend on political momentum, stakeholder feedback, and the practicality of enforcing age verification across the sunbed industry.
