Scotland’s sunbed industry faces further restriction after the Health Committee agreed to extend new controls on the use of subeds to their sale or hire, as well as established parlours. 

The new restrictions mean there will be a ban on unstaffed premises and an age restriction of 18 will apply to the sale and hire of sunbeds, and as well as those in parlours.

The proposals were moved by Labour MSP Ken Macintosh, who is sponsoring a private members bill on the issue.

In addition to health risks posed by the overuse of sunbeds, police have expressed concern that sunbed parlours are being used by organised criminals as means of laundering money.

Macintosh said:

“It is deeply worrying that anyone can use these unattended machines on our high streets without a moment's thought. It is also unacceptable that children as young as ten can access sunbed parlours.  Skin cancer is a devastating illness and I am delighted that the Scottish Parliament has today acted to protect the public and particularly our young people.”

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