Plymouth tanning salons still allow underage use
Over 40 per cent of Plymouth tanning salons failed a recent test purchase operation.
Public protection officers visited seven salons in Plymouth and staff in three of them did not challenge a 16-year-old volunteer about their age, despite the age limit being 18.
The volunteer did not use the sunbed but was given access to the bed, which is a criminal offence. The Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010 has been in force since 2011 and all businesses have been given guidance and the opportunity to attend training.
Two of the businesses that passed had previously failed an operation but had tightened up their procedures as a result of intervention last year.
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “This is an improvement on previous test purchasing exercises but is still too many. Salons may be busy, but staff are still not challenging young people about their age.
“Plymouth has one of the worst rates of skin cancer in the country and it you use sunbeds before the age of 35 then you are 75 per cent more likely to get skin cancer. This is one area where businesses could help make a difference; sadly the majority in this instance failed our young people.”
A written warning will now be given to the salon owners who failed and if they fail in the future then formal action may be taken which can include a caution or prosecution.
There are currently around 40 known premises with sunbeds in Plymouth, although the number is likely to be higher as many beauty parlours, hairdressers and gyms install them and are not required to register with the Council.
Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, the Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Skin cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in 15 to 34-year olds and the law was introduced after a number of serious burns to children using sunbeds.
“Young people’s skin is more vulnerable to damage and they do not always understand the long term health effects from using sunbeds, which include cataracts, conjunctivitis and premature ageing of the skin, as well as sunburn and skin cancer.”
Government advice is to avoid using sunbeds. People with fair, sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly should not use sunbeds. Those with a history of sunburn, particularly in childhood, or who have a large number of freckles or moles and/or red hair, should also avoid them.
The Council is currently offering all businesses free online underage sales training package and coaching /in-house training can be arranged. Anyone who looks under 25 years old must be asked for ID and businesses should only accept those with a PASS hologram e.g. driving licence, passport and citizen cards.
For further information contact the Public Protection Service on 01752 304147 or email underage-sales@plymouth.gov.uk or visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/sunbedsandtanning
