OPINION: ​Is a ban on commercial sunbeds a step too far?

​The Irish government's reported plans to ban commercial sunbeds may be well-intentioned, but they risk crossing the line from public health protection into excessive state intervention.

While the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure are well documented, a complete ban on these premises raises important questions about personal responsibility, individual freedom, and whether a government has a right to ban something outright when alcohol and cigarettes are still legally sold in shops.

The argument for banning commercial sunbeds in Ireland are that they are a public health risk that ultimately puts a strain on our health service.

READ NEXT: Gardaí investigating attempted break-in at jewellers in Tipperary

While this is true, there are many other things that risk public health that many informed adults decide to do everyday.

Namely, smoking cigarettes and alcohol are also a risk to the health of the public but there is no talk about an outright ban on these. 

While no one can argue that tanning beds should be used without a full understanding of the associated health risks, that does not necessarily justify prohibiting informed adults from making their own choices.

READ NEXT: File 'complete' following fatal assault of Limerick woman in Tipperary

Instead of an outright ban on commercial sunbeds, the government should instead focus on educating the public about the associated health risks with using them, like they do alcohol and cigarettes. 

There are already age requirements in place to use sunbeds here but this could also be policed more often to ensure shops are complying with legal requirements. 

Using governmental control to ban something like commercial sunbeds may be a step too far, as adults make informed decisions about risk every day and should be provided with accurate information and education rather than having their freedoms restricted.