The UK government has proposed new laws that would require mandatory ID checks for sunbed use, aiming to prevent children from accessing them. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the proposals on Friday, launching a 12-week consultation.
Key Proposals
The new rules would mandate that staff be present and verify a customer's ID before they can use a sunbed. The DHSC noted that teenagers often circumvent existing bans on under-18s by using contactless payment systems that allow access without staff checks.
Additionally, health warnings must be clearly displayed, and claims that sunbeds aid weight loss or prevent sunburn would be prohibited. Public Health and Prevention Minister Sharon Hodgson stated: "Sunbeds cause cancer, yet children as young as 14 are still accessing them illegally. That is not acceptable."
Background and Impact
In 2023, there were nearly 250,000 new skin cancer diagnoses in the UK, costing the NHS an estimated £750 million annually. The crackdown is part of the government's national cancer plan, aiming for one in three cancer patients to be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis.
Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, emphasized: "Sunbeds are not a harmless shortcut to a tan – they are a cancer risk, and under-18s should not be using them at all."
Expert Reactions
Marie Tudor, chief executive of Skcin skin cancer charity, called the consultation "extremely encouraging," noting that skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. Jules Worrall of Teenage Cancer Trust said the proposals could protect more teenagers if enforced. Susanna Daniels of Melanoma Focus highlighted that a single indoor tanning session before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 59%.
The public, businesses, and experts can respond during the consultation, with new rules potentially in place by next year. A further call for evidence on tougher action is planned for autumn 2026.
