Edinburgh tanning salons may have to follow a distinct set of licence conditions \u2013 including noise restrictions \u2013 under plans set to be considered by city councillors.<\/p>\n
At present, salons apply for standard public entertainment licences, and are expected to independently know and abide by legislation and trade practices about their sector.<\/p>\n
But council officers have said that, after inspecting premises in the city, a need has been identified to strengthen the licensing rules for the businesses.<\/p>\n
In a report before next Monday\u2019s Regulatory Committee meeting, officers will ask councillors to sign off on a consultation on a proposed set of changes to licences for the businesses.<\/p>\n
Among the new conditions is a requirement that staff on site have \u201cadequate knowledge, skill, training and experience\u201d to carry out the activity.<\/p>\n
Additionally, one condition would require that equipment is \u2018appropriately cleaned and disinfected\u2019 between each use.<\/p>\n
Officers say that the changes should not come at any additional burden to businesses, as they reflect established best practice and existing guidance for the sector.<\/p>\n
A new noise condition would also be added, which officers say would help with enforcing complaints made against sun tan salons in future.<\/p>\n
One Indigo Sun branch on Lothian Road has been at one end of a long-running dispute, with several tenants in Lothian House saying the business\u2019 music is disturbingly loud.<\/p>\n
In August, the business was given a final warning to reduce its noise levels after months of complaints were not satisfactorily resolved.<\/p>\n
The disagreement has seen the business threaten one neighbour with being reported to the police for harassment if they don\u2019t cease complaining or communicating with the branch.<\/p>\n
At a licensing meeting last month, the branch was given until November 1 to ensure music inside the business was not audible in flats inside the building.<\/p>\n
However, after November 1, the business would have a one month licence revocation notice period during which they could work on the problem, with the true date being December 1.<\/p>\n
The tenant in question told councillors at the meeting: \u201cIt\u2019s disruptive \u2013 on Sunday mornings, Tuesday nights, it\u2019s completely random. The base buzzing has reduced, but it still spikes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the base beat is still on in my property virtually all the time. This is seven days a week. This is a significant disturbance in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\n