Undercover tactic to halt beds danger (From The Northern Echo)

Trading Standards officers request enforcement action

8:22am Monday 20th September 2010 in Sunbed Safety By Chris Fay, Reporter (Sedgefield)

UNDERCOVER test purchase operations could be used for the first time in the region to help protect youngsters from the dangers of sunbeds.

Trading Standards officers are to ask Durham County Council to approve enforcement action using under-age volunteers to make test purchases.

The authority is thought to be the first in the region to consider the tactic, which is more commonly used to catch retailers selling alcohol and cigarettes to children.

Officers will use legislation introduced following a two-year campaign by The Northern Echo to ban under 18s from using sunbeds.

The council is also seeking permission to carry out test purchases in relation to knives.

The Sunbed Safety campaign was prompted after a 15-year-old Darlington girl was hospitalised after spending more than 20 minutes under the lamps at a salon.

Bob Young, cabinet member for strategic environment and leisure, said volunteers will visit tanning salons to ensure children and young people are not admitted.

“More than 2,500 people in the county are diagnosed each year with skin cancer, so it is vital that sunbed operators understand their legal responsibilities, particularly in relation to young people,” he added.

Almost 90 UV tanning shops have been identified in the county.

Officers have already started advising businesses how to comply with the new legislation which comes into force in April.

Up to 50 premises will be visited this year with the remainder next year once the legislation comes into effect.

Failure to prevent sunbed use by under 18s could result in a fine of up to £20,000.

Officers are also looking for permission to carry out test purchase operations in relation to young people buying knives and gambling.

Councillor Young said: “Reducing knife crime and its social consequences is a key part of our community strategy.

“We can play a significant role in making it as difficult as possible for young people to obtain these weapons.

“We have considerable experience in using under age volunteers.

“Illegal sales of knives increases violent crime, the fear of violent crime and anti social behaviour.”