The Underground World of Solariums: Australia’s Persistent Black Market

Commercial solariums were banned in Victoria in 2015 following the death of local resident Claire Oliver. All other states except the Northern Territory subsequently implemented similar bans.

A black market for commercial solarium services remains active across Australia, operating through social media platforms and hidden locations, years after most states enacted bans.

Enforcement Actions: A Patchwork of Success

Authorities have taken varying levels of enforcement action against illegal operators:

Victoria
Since 2015, the Victorian Department of Health has seized over 40 tanning beds and successfully prosecuted 19 illegal operators. Fines and community orders have been issued. However, no charges have been filed in the past two years.

New South Wales
Authorities have issued 24 penalty notices since 2013. In August 2025, fines were increased dramatically—up to $10,000 for corporations and $5,000 for individuals.

Other states have reported few or no prosecutions.

How the Underground Market Operates

Users locate operators through private messaging on social media. Operations range from home-based machines to units concealed within legitimate businesses.

A Melbourne woman identified as Jess reported using solariums weekly for approximately eight years. She stated she finds operators through private messages and continues use despite awareness of the risks, citing regular skin checks.

The Deadly Health Risks

Craig Sinclair of Cancer Council Victoria and oncologist Grant McArthur have stated that solarium use increases melanoma risk by 60% for users under 35.

Jay Allen, a melanoma survivor and founder of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, was diagnosed at age 32 after frequent solarium use. He now advocates for stricter enforcement of existing bans.

Dr. McArthur has stated there is no safe way to use a solarium.

Why the Demand Persists

Experts attribute persistent demand partly to social media and influencer culture promoting tanned skin. Despite widespread awareness of the risks, the allure of a tan—and the difficulty of finding legal alternatives—continues to drive users into the shadows.