Vote to ban coin-operated sunbeds

MSPs have voted to ban under-18s from using tanning salons or buying or hiring sunbeds.

Holyrood's health committee has also agreed to introduce new restrictions banning coin-operated machines.

The Eastwood MSP Ken McIntosh, who was behind the proposals, said he was delighted parliament had acted.

It is part of the Public Health bill which is expected to complete its passage through parliament by the end of June.

Mr McIntosh's amendments to the bill, which still has to be passed by parliament, were backed by public health minister Shona Robison in the committee.

But a national licensing scheme for salons was rejected by MSPs on the committee.

Mr MacIntosh said. "The aim is to provide protective legislation - legislation that protects young people and the public, that makes it clear there is a risk associated with these machines."

If the amendment is passed by parliament, salons would face a £100 fine if they are caught allowing under 18s to use sunbeds and a £50 fine if they are caught operating unstaffed, coin-operated tanning facilities.

There are currently 35 unstaffed salons in Scotland, the committee heard in evidence last week.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Scottish Parliament
The Sunbed Association
British Medical Association
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