Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
| Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to make provision about the use or supply of tanning devices that use ultraviolet radiation; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2011 c. 19 (N.I.) |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 3 May 2011 |
Status: Current legislation | |
The Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 19 (N.I.)) is an act of the Northern Ireland Assembly relating to the regulation of sunbeds of Northern Ireland.
Provisions
The act bans people under the age of 18 from using, hiring or buying sunbeds.[1] The act allows district councils to issue a fixed penalty notices to businesses for failing to comply.[2] Under the act, operators are required to display information on the health risks and provide adequate protective eyewear.[3]
Commencement
The act came into force on 1 May 2012.[1]
Further developments
Despite the act, according to a 2025 national survey commissioned by Melanoma Focus, 34% of people aged between 16 and 17 using them at least once per year and 23% at least once per month.[4]
Reception
Jim Muir, an Australian dermatologist, has described sunbeds being legal for anyone as "insane", and that "If it's not safe when you're under 18, it's not safe when you're over 18".[5]
References
- ^ a b "Under-18s are banned from sunbeds in Northern Ireland". BBC News. 1 May 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Belfast studio fined £250 for letting under-18 on sunbed". Belfast Telegraph. 30 April 2014. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Weir, Michelle (2 September 2024). "Antrim Newtownabbey Council staff carry out sunbed salon checks". Belfast Live. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Clinton, Orlaith (29 May 2025). "'Alarming' figures reveal sunbed use across Northern Ireland". Belfast Live. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Moynagh, Aileen (14 June 2024). "'I used sunbeds - I didn't think I would get cancer'". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.