SUNBED salons in Potters Bar are to be targeted in council spot checks to make sure they are complying with a change in the law.

It is now illegal for under-18s to use a sunbed, and any businesses found to be breaking the law could be fined �20,000.

Hertsmere Borough Council’s environmental health officers have said they will be conducting checks across the area to remind firms of the new legislation.

There are 20 sunbed businesses in Hertsmere, including seven in Potters Bar. Commercial sunbeds can be found in hotels, leisure centres, hairdressers and beauty salons as well as dedicated salons.

Principal environmental health officer Michael Georgiou said: “Over the years there has been strong medical evidence to show there is a link between skin cancers and over exposure to UVR.

“We hope the change to the law will help to protect young people who are potentially more vulnerable to skin cancer.

“Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer – and the second most common cancer in 15 to 24 year olds in the UK.”

The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 came into force in England and Wales on April 8.