A controversial health bill, prohibiting the use of sunbeds for under-18s, has been passed. The Sunbed (Regulation) Act, which has been heavily supported by many industry figures as well as prominent politicians and celebrities, will come into force in 12 months time.
From April 2011, local environmental health officers will have the power to inspect salons and to penalise salon operators if they are found to be breaking the law. Sunbed operators will also need to provide comprehensive information to all customers about the health risks associated with using sunbeds.
Aisling Burnand, executive director of policy and public affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: Were thrilled that the bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds has passed through the House of Lords and will become law. This is a monumental achievement and legislation will go a long way to curb the alarming numbers of teenagers that use sunbeds.
Research recently published in the British Medical Journal found that a quarter of a million children in England between the ages of 11 and 17 regularly use sunbeds. Cancer Research UK looks forward to working with the next government to ensure all salons are properly staffed and all adults are given appropriate information warning them of potential dangers to their long-term health.
However, sections of the beauty industry have labelled the bill a sham, stating that it was a missed opportunity to enforce stronger protection laws.
Gary Lipman, chairman of The Sunbed Association, said: We have always insisted on non use of sunbeds in salons by minors and supported a ban on under 18s. However, this bill only prohibits use in commercial outlets, so the purchase or hire of sunbeds by under 18s for use at home can continue and will inevitably thrive when they cost as little as £5 per week to hire.
TSA claims it called for the wording of the bill to be strengthened with regard to unstaffed salons, calling for properly trained staff to be on the premises at all times.
We simply do not understand the decision to ignore this, Lipman continued. Implementation would make sunbed use safer for all, not just in those salons where sunbeds are operated responsibly. Our only conclusion can be that this crucial issue was pushed aside so as not to delay passage of the bill.
From April 2011, local environmental health officers will have the power to inspect salons and to penalise salon operators if they are found to be breaking the law. Sunbed operators will also need to provide comprehensive information to all customers about the health risks associated with using sunbeds.
Aisling Burnand, executive director of policy and public affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: Were thrilled that the bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds has passed through the House of Lords and will become law. This is a monumental achievement and legislation will go a long way to curb the alarming numbers of teenagers that use sunbeds.
Research recently published in the British Medical Journal found that a quarter of a million children in England between the ages of 11 and 17 regularly use sunbeds. Cancer Research UK looks forward to working with the next government to ensure all salons are properly staffed and all adults are given appropriate information warning them of potential dangers to their long-term health.
However, sections of the beauty industry have labelled the bill a sham, stating that it was a missed opportunity to enforce stronger protection laws.
Gary Lipman, chairman of The Sunbed Association, said: We have always insisted on non use of sunbeds in salons by minors and supported a ban on under 18s. However, this bill only prohibits use in commercial outlets, so the purchase or hire of sunbeds by under 18s for use at home can continue and will inevitably thrive when they cost as little as £5 per week to hire.
TSA claims it called for the wording of the bill to be strengthened with regard to unstaffed salons, calling for properly trained staff to be on the premises at all times.
We simply do not understand the decision to ignore this, Lipman continued. Implementation would make sunbed use safer for all, not just in those salons where sunbeds are operated responsibly. Our only conclusion can be that this crucial issue was pushed aside so as not to delay passage of the bill.
