ETS Tanning Bed Blog

Missouri will be joining the ranks of 16 states that are considering legislation to limit or ban teens’ use of indoor tanning salons . Legislative proposals range from requiring parental consent, to requiring a doctor’s note, to outright banning of minors.

This is in addition to the 29 states which already have restrictive indoor tanning laws for teens on the lawbooks.

Proponents of such limitations say it’s for the protection of minors, much like the cigarette sales laws. But opponents disagree – arguing this goes too far. “You cannot regulate everything in this world,” says one state senator in Florida who voted against such bill when it came up in his state. “I suppose we could say the same thing and outlaw tanning on the beach.”

Salon owners emphasize that tanning beds are much safer than tanning outdoors because it’s a controlled environment, and certified operators are trained to help tanners use the beds safely. “It’s a lot easier to get a sunburn when you’re outside,” says John Overstreet, executive director of the Washington-based Indoor Tanning Association which represents approximately 20,000 tanning salons. “In a tanning salon you know exactly what you’re getting.”

Dermatologists say tanners are more susceptible to skin damage prior to the age of 18, but indoor tanning advocates believe that educating users is adequate to avoid the overuse that leads to unhealthy burning. Many salons already voluntarily require parental permission for minors who use their facilities.

It is estimated that well over two million teens use indoor tanning salons annually, and the loss of revenue is certainly a concern for salon owners. But the ITA is quick to point out its also a violation of parental rights – and just bad politics. In a formal statement opposing the ban to teen tanning, they call such legislation an “unnecessary intrusion of government in our daily lives.”

Over-regulation is a serious threat and one that could seriously hinder our industry. So, if you live in Missouri or know anyone in Missouri, I urge you to write a letter and encourage your friends to write letters speaking out against this ban.

To learn more about legislation in your state, contact your local government or visit the Indoor Tanning Association website .

Proposed law would regulate teens' right to tan more rigidly than their right to marry, drive a car, and join the military

(Reprinted from the Indoor Tanning Association press release )
WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) denounced House Bill 173, which would require Ohioans under the age of 18 to get a prescription from a doctor before using a sun-bed. Inexplicably, the bill also applies to spray tanning .

John Overstreet, executive director of the ITA issued the following statement regarding the bill:

"It is inconsistent and illogical for a teen in Ohio to be forced to have a prescription from a doctor before they could use a tanning bed.

At 17 an Ohio teen can serve and die for his or her country by joining the military. At 16 an Ohio teen is entrusted with the ability to operate a motor vehicle entirely unsupervised by a doctor or parent. 16- and 17-year-olds in the state can even get married as long as a parent consents.

It defies common sense that an Ohio parent could send their son or daughter off to war, drive the dangerous Ohio highways, or navigate the murky emotional waters of marriage -- but has to get a doctor's note before they can tan.

It is already standard practice to get written parental consent before a teen can use a tanning bed. A parent can decide whether or not it's ok for their teen to tan. Not the Ohio legislature."

Overstreet also noted that tanning salons in Ohio are already among the most highly regulated in the country.

The Indoor Tanning Association represents thousands of indoor tanning manufacturers, distributors, facility owners and members from other support industries. The ITA promotes a responsible message about moderate tanning and sunburn prevention.

SOURCE Indoor Tanning Association

To learn more about legislation in your state, contact your local government or visit the Indoor Tanning Association website.

It's like a line of dominoes. After Utah and Florida started banning teen tanning, other states have quickly been falling. In Arkansas, the state senate passed a bill, 34 - 1, that will require a parent or guardian's consent before teenagers can use indoor tanning facilities.

We found this one on our own local NBC station, WTHR.

Every once in a while, we like to feature tanning salons that have made the news, as well as tanning news that may affect you.

Here are a few articles we found this past week.

Ultimate Tan of Lawrence, Kansas was featured in the Lawrence Journal World & News as being certified by the International Smart Tan network, an educational association that certifies tanning salons, teaches them about the tanning process, and what is expected of tanning salons.

A study by public health officials at San Diego State University found that there are more tanning salons in a big city than there are Starbucks or McDonald's. According to the story on MSNBC, the five cities with the highest density of salons per resident are Charleston, WV; Pittsburgh, PA; Akron, OH; Portlane, ME; and Columbia, SC.

The Indoor Tanning Association urged Spring Breakers to practice responsible tanning, with moderate exposure to tanning beds and taking extra care not to burn. They recommend salon customers get a base tan before spending a week in the Spring Break sun, tan moderately, and know the effects of medication on your skin type and the sun."

Speaking of Charleston, WV, West Virginia state senator, Ron Stollings has introduced a bill (Senate Bill 488) that would require parents or guardians to give written permission for children under 18 to use a tanning salon. If the child is under 14, the parent or guardian would have to accompany them. The bill is being widely praised by the Skin Cancer Foundation, which hopes tanning salons will be illegal for minors. A similar bill has been introduced in the Mississippi state House.

Utah state legislators are trying to pass a tax on tanning salon owners. Utah Rep. Melvin Brown (R-Coalville) wants to tack a 10% tax on admissions or user fees at tanning salons to fund skin cancer research. Tanning salon owners are concerned that the tax will unfairly pick on one industry, and will add costs to tanning salons which are already suffering in this down economy.