The provision and use of sun-beds has been the subject of many debates within the leisure profession and the national media. It has been part of a much wider discussion about the need to reduce unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

On 8 April 2011, the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 came into force in England and Wales. The main purposes of the Act are to prevent the use of sunbeds on commercial business premises by children and young people under the age of 18. The Act also makes it a requirement for users to wear protective eyewear and sunbed operators to provide comprehensive information to all customers about the health risks associated with using sunbeds.