MP calls for restrictions on the use of coin operated tanning salons

Warrington North MP HELEN JONES has called on the government to restrict the use of coin operated tanning equipment and to fine and prosecute operators of unstaffed coin-operated salons who allow children access to tanning equipment.

HELEN JONES said:
“ Young people under the age of 16 have easy access to coin-operated tanning salons which charge as little as 25p per minute for a tanning session. In many cases these salons do not have trained staff to provide advice and assistance and often are completely unstaffed.

“ This means that the salons can be used inappropriately by young people who do not realise the dangers of over exposure to UV rays, as well as by people with health problems who should not use sunbeds. Posters warning of the dangers of exposure to UV rays explaining that some skin types are not appropriate for tanning are simply not good enough as a warning. They are often completely ignored and unread or even torn down.

“ Operators need to be made more responsible and the only way to do this is to ensure that the use of coin-operated tanning machines are restricted to adults and that operators of unstaffed salons are prosecuted if they allow children access to tanning equipment. “