New Sunbed Age Restrictions Enforce Strict Child Age Checks

Sunbed age restrictions will be reinforced through mandatory ID checks as part of new laws being investigated by the government today (22 May 2026). Currently, individuals under 18 are prohibited from using sunbeds, but many teenagers manage to bypass these regulations using contactless systems that enable anyone to access tanning facilities without staff verification. The proposed changes mandate that staff must verify customer IDs before granting access to sunbeds. Additionally, the new regulations will require: - The clear display of health warnings - A ban on false claims suggesting sunbeds assist with weight loss or protect against sunburn The consultation aiming to tighten sunbed laws in England is open until 14 August 2026. Public Health and Prevention Minister Sharon Hodgson stated, "Sunbeds cause cancer, and yet children as young as 14 are still accessing them illegally. This situation is unacceptable. We’re eliminating loopholes that allow businesses to circumvent the law while ensuring that sunbed users are fully aware of the associated risks. Preventing cancer proactively is essential for families and the NHS." Professor Peter Johnson, the National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, added, "Sunbeds are not a safe shortcut to achieving a tan; they pose a significant cancer risk. Under 18s should be completely prohibited from using them. These new proposals will deter irresponsible operators from providing sunbeds to minors and make sure adult users comprehend the health risks involved. We must do all we can to avert cancer from developing, and these actions can indeed save lives." Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, remarked, "The use of sunbeds significantly increases the risk of melanoma skin cancer, which is on the rise in the UK. We applaud the launch of this consultation and support the focus on enforcing the prohibition against under 18s using sunbeds. Young skin is particularly vulnerable to the dangers of tanning beds, and studies indicate that just one session of indoor tanning before the age of 35 can elevate the risk of developing melanoma by 59%. Alongside these measures, we advocate for a comprehensive strategy in the National Cancer Plan that emphasizes education, regulation, and prevention to safeguard the public against this largely preventable cancer." Marie Tudor, CEO of SKCIN-UK Skin Cancer Charity, welcomed the government’s consultation on sunbed laws and the proposed introduction of stronger safeguards for children and young people against the confirmed risks of sunbed use. Tudor expressed, "With skin cancer now being the most prevalent cancer in the UK, and evidence showing that risks rise sharply with early sunbed use, urgent regulation is essential. Mandatory ID checks, clearer health warnings, and stricter control over misleading health claims are crucial steps towards enhancing public safety and awareness and preventing future skin cancer occurrences. We highly encourage public participation in the consultation to help shape policies protecting the next generation from avoidable harm." Jules Worrall, Interim Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust, emphasized the importance of avoiding sunbeds and ensuring that teenagers and young adults are aware of the risks. Worrall stated, "We are pleased that the consultation seeks to enhance health warnings and crack down on ID checks, as we are seriously concerned about the accessibility of harmful misinformation encouraging false ‘benefits’ of sunbed usage. Skin cancer is extremely common among young people, making it vital to raise awareness of potential causes, including sunbeds. If enacted, these new measures could better protect teens and young adults. We always encourage youth to rely on credible sources for understanding the dangers of sunbeds, such as the NHS and reputable cancer charities." The consultation allows the public, businesses, local authorities, and experts to express their views until the period concludes, with new regulations potentially effective by 2027. The government will also evaluate whether more stringent action is required, with a request for evidence scheduled for autumn 2026. In 2023, the UK recorded nearly a quarter of a million new skin cancer diagnoses, costing the NHS approximately £750 million annually. This crackdown is part of the government’s National Cancer Plan, aiming for 1 in 3 cancer patients to be cancer-free or living well five years post-diagnosis. The government has already made significant strides in cancer care, with around 240,000 more patients receiving timely diagnoses or having their cancer ruled out in the year leading up to March 2025 compared to the year ending June 2024. To learn more, visit [NHS Cancer Services](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/) and [Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/). Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/age-checks-to-stop-children-using-sunbeds-under-new-laws

New Sunbed Age Restrictions Enforce Strict Child Age Checks

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