Call to prosecute beauty salon owners for letting young people use sunbeds

A member of the Health Forum West wants salon owners who allow young people to use sunbeds to be prosecuted. 

Cllr Marie Casserly told members she sees underage people going into a salon in Sligo town and asked: “Is there anything the Guards or the law can do or any process of these salons being fined if they are breaking the law or any inspections specifically to highlight the fact that children and teenagers are using these sunbeds on a regular basis?” 

Cllr Casserly said she did not think young people and parents realise the dangers of sunbeds and suggested there be further consultation between the HSE and An Garda Síochána around inspections and fines “or that these salons are closed down if they flaunt the law allowing young people to use these beds which are highly dangerous".

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, West and North West, said the HSE promotes campaigns around measures people can take to avoid cancer, including skin cancer. However, he did not believe the HSE was responsible for enforcement or that following up with salons offering tanning beds was within its remit, adding: “We take the view the most important tool is to make sure people are well informed and understand the impact of using sunbeds and also the dangers of exposure to the sun in skin cancer.”