Sunbed law in Wales
Wales follows the same Act as England, plus Welsh regulations that add supervision, health information and eyewear duties. Coin-operated salons with no staff are not allowed.
What the law requires in Wales
- No under-18s on a sunbedNobody under 18 may use, buy or hire a sunbed, and you must not offer one to them. Under-18 staff must not use the sunbeds either.
- Under-18s stay out of the restricted zoneUnder-18s may only be in the sunbed area if they work for you.
- A competent supervisor on siteA competent supervisor must be on the premises whenever someone uses, or wants to use, a sunbed. Unsupervised coin-operated salons are not permitted.
- What the supervisor doesChecks the client is 18 or over, helps assess skin type, advises on use given any skin or medical conditions, explains safe operation, gives the health information and makes sure eyewear is used.
- Health information every timeGive the prescribed health information as an A4 sheet, black text on yellow, each time someone wants to use a sunbed.
- A3 poster on displayDisplay the prescribed A3 poster, black characters at least 20 mm high on yellow. No other material about the health effects of sunbeds may be displayed.
- Protective eyewearAppropriate protective eyewear must be available, or each client must have their own.
- Age signsSigns must say that under-18s cannot use a sunbed or enter the restricted zone.
Good practice the guidance recommends
- Ask for photo ID: PASS cards, passports, UK photocard driving licences or military ID.
- Refuse the session if the client cannot prove their age, or if you are in doubt.
- Copies of the leaflet and poster are available from your local council and the Welsh Government.
Penalties
Breaches are criminal offences, prosecuted by your council.
You have a defence if you can show you took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence.
How Tannoo is built to help
- Blocks a session for any client under 18.
- Prompts staff to hand over the health information and confirm eyewear before the session starts, and logs it.
- Records skin type and the supervisor's name against every session.
Common questions
Can I run an unstaffed sunbed salon in Wales?
No. A competent supervisor must be on the premises whenever a sunbed is in use or someone wants to use one.
Do I have to give the health leaflet every visit in Wales?
Yes. The prescribed information must be given each time someone wishes to use a sunbed.
Sources
- Sunbeds guide for Wales (Business Companion, Trading Standards)
- Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
Sunbed law elsewhere
EnglandSunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010ScotlandPublic Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008, sections 95 to 101Northern IrelandSunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011IrelandPublic 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.