Sunbed law in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own Sunbeds Act. Councils can issue on-the-spot fixed penalties, so gaps in your paperwork cost money quickly.
What the law requires in Northern Ireland
- No under-18s on a sunbedUnder-18s must not use a sunbed on commercial premises, and you must not sell them a session or sell or hire them a sunbed.
- Under-18s stay out of the restricted zoneDo not let anyone under 18 into the sunbed area.
- Adult supervision at all timesAn adult must supervise the business whenever it is open for sunbed use.
- The yellow leafletGive every client the yellow leaflet on the health risks of sunbeds and require them to read it.
- The yellow A3 noticeDisplay the yellow A3 public information notice prominently. Do not display anything claiming sunbeds have health benefits.
- Eye protectionGive every client goggles or other protective eyewear.
- Risk assessmentCarry out a risk assessment of your premises and your sunbed activities.
Penalties
Councils can issue a £250 fixed penalty notice per offence. If it goes to court, the fine can be up to £5,000.
How Tannoo is built to help
- Blocks a session for any client under 18.
- Logs that the leaflet was given and eyewear handed over, against every session.
- Keeps a record of who was supervising, ready for an environmental health visit.
Common questions
What is the fine for breaking sunbed law in Northern Ireland?
Councils can issue a £250 fixed penalty per offence. If the case goes to court, the fine can be up to £5,000.
Do I need to give eye protection in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Every client must be given sunglasses, goggles or other eye protection.
Sources
- Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Legal and safety advice for sunbed businesses (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council)
- Sunbeds policy, guidance and information (Department of Health NI)
Sunbed law elsewhere
EnglandSunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010WalesSunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010ScotlandPublic Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, sections 95 to 101IrelandPublic Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014
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.