TANNING salons in Plymouth are still allowing young people to use their facilities, despite a council crackdown.
A year ago Plymouth City Council issued a warning after five out of six salons were found to be accepting underage customers.
A recent test purchase operation targeted seven salons, with staff in three of them failing to challenge a 16-year-old volunteer.
The volunteer did not use the sunbed but was given access to the bed, which is a criminal offence under the Sunbeds Regulation Act 2010.
Councillor Sue McDonald, cabinet member for children, young people and public health, said: "This is an improvement on previous test purchasing exercises but is still too many. Salons may be busy, but staff are still not challenging young people about their age.
"Plymouth has one of the worst rates of skin cancer in the country and if you use sunbeds before the age of 35 then you are 75 per cent more likely to get skin cancer.
"This is one area where businesses could help make a difference; sadly the majority in this instance failed our young people."
A written warning will now be given to the salon owners who failed, and if they fail in the future then formal action may be taken which can include a caution or prosecution.
There are currently about 40 known premises with sunbeds in Plymouth, although the number is likely to be higher as many beauty parlours, hairdressers and gyms install them and are not required to register with the council.
Linda Thomson, who owns the Hot Spot Tanning Salon, in Frankfort Gate, said her staff have all been trained on how to be vigilant and to ask for the correct ID from customers.
Her salon also uses Government-approved tanning lamps with emit 0.3 watts of energy per square metre, meaning there is a much reduced risk of sunburn.
Linda, who has worked in the industry for more than 14 years, said: "We all went on a training course but we knew anyway [about it being against the law for anyone under 18 to use a sunbed] because any salon should know that.
"The EU regulations are standard and they expect you to see an ID like a driving licence or passport with the person's photo on it as well as a date of birth.
"We've heard so much over the last few years that it's young people who are more likely to get skin problems so the Government has set an age and I think it's right."
The salon owner said that when she has had to turn under-18s away in the past she has explained to them why they cannot use her salon.
She said: "I have had children come in and when I've turned them away I've heard them say they are going back to their usual salon and I've told them it's against the law."
Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, the council's director of public health, said: "Skin cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in 15 to 34-year-olds and the law was introduced after a number of serious burns to children using sunbeds.
"Young people's skin is more vulnerable to damage and they do not always understand the long term health effects from using sunbeds, which include cataracts, conjunctivitis and premature ageing of the skin, as well as sunburn and skin cancer."
The council is offering all businesses a free online underage sales training package and coaching or in-house training can be arranged.
Anyone who looks under 25 years old must be asked for ID and businesses should only accept those with a PASS hologram – meaning driving licence, passport and citizen cards.
IN light of the results of the council's test purchase operation, Herald reporter Bradley Wicks went out onto the streets to find out what Plymouth thinks about using sun beds.
Kirstie Daly, aged 44, said she did not use them and would not let her children use them.
She said: "They're just as dangerous as being out in the sun for too long if not used properly.
"I know a few people that use them but they tend to look a bit orange."
Toni Gurnell said she used to work in a tanning salon but does not use them herself.
The 24-year-old, who now works in retail, said: "I used to work in a tanning salon and I always made an effort to check the age of clients.
"They also had to fill out a form with their date of birth.
"I don't use them personally; I don't have the time."
Daniel Stocker, aged 22, said he did not use sunbeds but was aware of the health risks.
He said: "I think the trend is aimed more at women but I do know a few guys that use them.
"I've never considered it myself because I'm happy with my own body image.
"You need to be careful though, too much UV light is bad for your skin; that's why we have sun cream."
Linda Smith, aged 47, said she uses sunbeds twice a week because they make her feel better but that she is aware of the risks of skin cancer.
She said: "I do use them but I go through phases.
"I've been using them twice a week lately.
"I find they do relax you, you do feel better.
"My daughter told me that if you use them too much before the age of 30, you can seriously increase your chances of skin cancer.
"I wouldn't encourage it, my husband's dead against it."
Donna Smith said she never uses sunbeds and does not think they are safe.
The 39-year-old teacher said: "I've never really used them; I just never fancied them.
"I really don't think they are that safe but if you are going to use them you need to be careful and consider the risks."