29/01/2026
The Government has announced plans to strengthen regulations around commercial sunbed use in England, as part of its forthcoming National Cancer Plan.
Proposals from the Department of Health and Social Care include banning unsupervised sunbed sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks, following evidence that some under-18s are still accessing tanning salons despite existing legislation. Investigations have found teenagers as young as 14 using sunbeds, even though the practice has been illegal since 2010.
According to data cited by the Government, the World Health Organization classifies sunbeds as a known carcinogen, with use before the age of 20 linked to a significantly increased risk of melanoma. Health leaders say reducing exposure to avoidable cancer risks is a key priority, while cancer charities have welcomed plans to improve enforcement and public awareness.
A public consultation is expected to launch in spring 2026, with new rules potentially coming into force from 2027. The Government has confirmed it will also seek views from tanning businesses to ensure any changes are proportionate and enforceable.
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Do you think current sunbed regulations are being enforced effectively, or is stronger oversight needed?
