Licences and permissions Underage sales

Sunbeds

It is an offence for anyone carrying out a sunbed business to allow anyone under 18 to use a sunbed.

If you are not sure that the customer is over 18 (or 21 if Challenge 21 policy is in place) ask for proof of age (passport/photo driving licence of PASS accredited proof of age card).

If you are still unsure refuse to allow the use of the sunbed. You may wish to record the details in a refusals register to show that you are refusing use by those under 18.

It is advisable to ensure that your staff are fully trained in order to prevent them allowing use of sunbeds by under 18's. Any training they receive should be documented within a record of training form.

You commit an offence if:

  • you allow or offer to allow a person under 18 to use a sunbed

Reporting underage sales

If you suspect a retailer of selling any of these products to anyone under the minimum age, please report them via Citizens Advice Bureau. They manage the national Consumer Advice Service, and staff there assess each problem and pass it on to the relevant body, such as Trading Standards.

Was this page helpful?

Fields marked * cannot be left blank

Feedback submitted to us on this form is monitored but you won’t receive a reply. In an emergency, visit our emergency contact details page. Please don't include any personal or financial information, for example your National Insurance or credit card numbers.