Ban on under-18s using sunbeds comes into effect

People under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use sunbeds from today.

The new Health Minister Leo Varadkar announced details of the restrictions on Friday.

It applies to the use of sunbeds on commercial premises by those aged under 18 and will be enforced by the HSE’s Environmental Health Service with sanctions in place for premises who breach the ban.

Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in Ireland with more than 850 new cases of melanoma reported in Ireland each year.