Shops offered tan sessions to 14-year-old

The young mystery shopper was used by officers from City of York Council’s environmental health and trading standards services, who were testing their compliance with the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act, which came into force last April.

Of the 11 premises tested, three offered sunbed sessions to the teenager, despite the law restricting their use to over 18s. Even if the session is not taken up, offering the session is in itself a criminal offence.

Because the legislation is relatively new, the council used the exercise to find out whether businesses were following the law and will not be taking enforcement action.

Coun Dafydd Williams, cabinet member for crime and stronger communities, said: “I am disappointed that 27 per cent of the premises tested contravened the sunbed legislation.

“However, further test purchases will take place if breaches of the legislation are found, and we will take formal enforcement action.

“I hope that these test purchases will raise awareness of the legislation and I urge businesses to operate an age verification policy to ensure that they do not sell sunbed sessions to people aged under 18.”

Last year, test purchases by the council found alcohol was illegally sold in one of 73 premises and tobacco in one of 30 premises. Action was taken against both.