Judge’s special offer for ex-owner of Limerick tanning salon up in court for underage use

THE FORMER operator of a Limerick tanning salon has been convicted and fined for allowing a minor to use a sunbed.

Arkadiusz Twardowski, of Sunrise Tanning Salon, John Street, Limerick city was prosecuted by the HSE at Limerick District Court.

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Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Mr Twardowski, told Judge John King that his client was not present as he is extremely unwell.

“He suffered a stroke in March. I am instructed to plead guilty,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Solicitor Barry Kelleher, on behalf of the HSE, said it was a prosecution under the Public Health Act of use of a sunbed by a minor

“On December 10, 2024, a volunteer minor, aged 15, attended the premises and sought the use of a sunbed. 

“They paid €2.20 for two minutes. They were never asked for age or ID.  The transaction was observed by an environmental health officer. There are no previous convictions,” said Mr Kelleher.

Mr O’Donnell said Mr Twardowski operated the premises for 18 years but has disposed of it due to his health. 

“His sister now runs it,” said Mr O’Donnell.

The fire alarm in Limerick Courthouse went off at this point in the case. However, as people were beginning to leave the courtroom it stopped and the case resumed.

Mr Kelleher said he understands it was the sister who made the sale to the minor.

Mr O’Donnell confirmed this was the case but a system is now in place.

In mitigation, Mr O’Donnell said Mr Twardowski has been in the country for a considerable period of time, is extremely unwell, the business is still operating and there are no previous convictions.

He said his client is on social welfare and is not a man of extreme means.

Judge King ordered Mr Twardowski to pay the HSE’s cost of €3,500 and fined him €500. The maximum fine is up to €4,000.

“I’ll adjourn it for him to have money in the court and on that basis he gets that reduction. It's a special offer today - if he doesn’t have the money in court on the next date I might go a bit further,” said Judge King.

The judge gave Mr Twardowski six months to pay the total of €4,000. The case was adjourned to next February