Illegal tanning beds lead to landmark fine for business
Advertisements on messaging platforms adorning illegal tanning salons have led to the first successful investigation into a business offering this dangerous service.
FA Beauty, trading under the name The Tanned Me, was forced to lose nine tanning beds and pay a $35,000 fine and legal costs after they were caught operating cosmetic tanning services using ultraviolet radiation.
The company was fined in the NSW Local Court after the state’s Environmental Protection Authority carried out inspections at two of its sites in Fairfield and Bondi.
It has been illegal to operate commercial tanning services using UV radiation beds in NSW since 2014, with penalties significantly increased in 2025.
Despite the long-standing ban, EPA director general Emma Whale said the case was the first of its kind.
“This case is the culmination of a long and detailed investigation and is the first time we have successfully prosecuted a business offering UV tanning services,” Ms Whale said.
He said suspicions about the business were raised when evidence was found of bookings made through online messaging platforms and paid for in cash.
Ms Whale said the use of UV tanning beds significantly increased the risk of developing skin cancers such as melanoma, with younger users facing an even higher risk of permanent damage.
“People who use a UV tanning bed before the age of 35 have a 75 per cent higher chance of developing melanoma,” Ms Whale said.
The prevalence of underground tanning salons has attracted greater attention in recent weeks after an ABC investigation found evidence of dozens of illegal online operators.
Advertising UV tanning services is prohibited under radiation laws, but illegal businesses continue to promote their services on social media.
“We have radiation laws for a good reason, which is to protect people’s health,” Ms Whale said. he said.
“Exposure to UV radiation can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.”
Scrutiny of the industry went into overdrive 20 years ago following the death of 26-year-old Melbourne skin protection advocate Clare Oliver.
There is a ban on commercial UV tanning in all states and territories except the Northern Territory, where there are no commercial tanning beds.
