Gwynedd Council is urging businesses within the county which provide sunbeds to make sure that they are complying with new regulations which came into force on 31 October 2011.
The new Welsh Government regulations mean that businesses must supervise the use of sunbeds by customers in order to ensure safer use. These regulations strengthen the ban that came in to force in April of this year prohibiting businesses from allowing young people under 18 from using sunbeds.
Councillor Stephen Churchman, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Resources, said:
“The new regulations are very powerful; and respond to the increase in cases of melanoma skin cancer amongst young people.
“All businesses offering the use of sunbeds are now expected to supervise sunbed use thoroughly, to ensure that nobody under the age of 18 uses them; as well as making sure that the appropriate health information is displayed and given to the customer, along with advise on safe use.
“It will not be possible for businesses to display information which makes claims about beneficial health effects of sunbed use any more.”
Gwynedd Council officers will be visiting businesses which offer sunbeds to ensure that they are complying with the new regulations. Businesses can face a fine of up to £20,000 for failing to comply with the regulations.
For more information contact Gwynedd Council’s Health and Safety Unit in the Public Protection Service on 01766 771 000 or copies of guidance are available on: www.wales.gov.uk/health
