Sunbed regulations

Businesses must follow certain regulations over the use of sunbeds on commercial premises.

The Sunbeds (Regulations) Act 2010 prevents the use of sunbeds on commercial premises by anyone under the age of 18.

The Act imposes a duty on anyone involved in carrying on a sunbed business to ensure that no person under the age of 18 years:

• uses a sunbed
• is offered the use of a sunbed
• is present in a restricted zone.

A restricted zone is where a sunbed is located in a wholly or partly enclosed space and that space is reserved for the users of that sunbed. Every part of that space is a restricted zone.

For example, if a sunbed was located in a changing room, the whole changing room would become a restricted zone. No one under 18 years of age would be allowed into this area.

Further information regarding the Sunbed (Regulations) Act can be downloaded below.

Sunbed (Regulations) Act Information (PDF) [1MB] (opens new window)

There is no requirement for payment to be made, either directly or indirectly, for the use of the sunbeds for the business to come under the definition of a 'sunbed business'. 

Visit the NHS website for further information on the risks of using sunbeds.