Sunbed law in England
England has the lightest sunbed rules in the UK and Ireland. The law bans under-18s and keeps them out of sunbed rooms. It does not require supervision, health leaflets or protective eyewear, although most salons provide all three.
What the law requires in England
- No under-18s on a sunbedNobody under 18 may use a sunbed on your premises, and you must not offer one to anyone under 18.
- Under-18s stay out of the restricted zoneUnder-18s may not be in the space reserved for sunbed users, unless they work for you. If the sunbed is not in its own cubicle, the whole room counts as the restricted zone.
- Medical exemption onlyThe only exception is a sunbed used for medical treatment under a registered doctor in a healthcare setting.
Good practice the guidance recommends
- Ask for photo ID from anyone who looks under 25. Business Companion lists PASS cards, passports, UK photocard driving licences and military ID.
- Refuse the session if the client cannot prove their age, or if you are in doubt.
- Display signs saying under-18s cannot use sunbeds or enter the sunbed area.
Penalties
Breaking the duty is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine in the magistrates' court with no upper limit.
You have a defence if you can show you took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence. In practice that means proof: ID checks, staff training and records.
How Tannoo is built to help
- Blocks a session for any client whose date of birth makes them under 18.
- Records which member of staff checked ID, and when, against every session.
- Prints the session log in one tap if the council asks for it.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to run sunbeds in England?
No. England has no sunbed licensing or registration scheme. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 sets the under-18 ban and the restricted zone rule.
Do sunbeds have to be supervised in England?
The Act does not require it. Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland all ban unsupervised sunbed use.
Can an 18-year-old use a sunbed in England?
Yes. The ban applies to anyone under 18.
Sources
- Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, section 2 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Sunbeds guide for England (Business Companion, Trading Standards)
Sunbed law elsewhere
This guide summarises the law as we understand it on 13 October 2026. It is not legal advice. Check the sources above or ask your local council if you are unsure.