ETS Tanning Bed Blog

Parents generally have some serious say-so in their children’s lives up to age 18, when they legally become adults. And as such, many states require parental permission to allow teens to tan at an indoor tanning salon.

However, now in Massachusetts, state lawmakers are proposing to go a step further, and require a complete ban on indoor tanning for anyone under the age of 16 – and Rhode Island is likely to follow. This is leaving many tanning salon proprietors scratching their heads in frustration.

Most already have strict policies in place for minors. One Rhode Island salon owner says all their clients under 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent in front of an employee. “When parents come in and we explain all the facts, it’s clear how time intervals work and how to tan responsibly,” she says.

Parents themselves may object to having their authority usurped by state politics, and some point out that getting a tan in a controlled environment is better than over exposure outside. Another salon owner agrees the ban is going too far and points out: “I think the laws are sufficient as long as they are enforced.”

When it comes to parental permission, the ban may be a moral battle ground, but for salon owners it’s also a business battle ground – with a significant impact on the business bottom line. One owner claims it would affect almost 75 percent of her business – especially during certain times of the year.

It’s all about tanning responsibly, salon proponents say. “Teens can go out and get fried outside, too,” says one salon client. “In my opinion, if they’re going to tan, it’s better to do it in a controlled environment.”

There are 29 states which currently regulate teen tanning.

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

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 .

I've blogged about the teen tanning ban in Texas before. And in the last few weeks, the situation has only gotten worse.

On April 22nd, the revised version of House Bill 1310 was passed by the Texas House of Representatives, meaning it has now made its way to the Texas Senate. What began as a ban on anyone under the age of 18 was downgraded to age 16-and-a-half. But, a ban is still a ban and could seriously hurt tanning bed business owners. Luckily, the Indoor Tanning Association –– the trade association for tanning salon owners, and tanning bed manufacturers and distributors –– is doing something about it.

According to LookingFit.com, the ITA is urging all Texas business owners, supporters and employees to join the fight against this bill .

They've created a pre-formatted letter wizard for tanning bed business owners that will automatically address and create a letter to your Texas Senate representative and even a separate letter for consumers .

The Texas Senate wants to dictate what they deem acceptable for families, and take decision-making out of the hands of parents. Their actions could ultimately harm the livelihoods of many Texas small business owners, which is the last thing we need in this economy.

Over-regulation is a serious threat and one that could seriously hinder our industry. So, if you live in Texas or know anyone in Texas, 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 .

First Texas, now Arkansas.

Arkansas, like Texas, is one of more than a dozen states considering such bills. Texas also has bills that go a step further and require a doctor's note.

Currently, Texas is seeking approval on House Bill (HB) 1310, which restricts teens younger than 18 from using indoor tanning equipment.

While the politicians of Texas are pondering that law, Arkansas lawmakers are also working to restrict teen tanning. Governor Mike Beebe says he plans to sign a bill requiring salon owners to get waivers signed by parents for clients under 18.

Representative Bruce Maloch sponsored Arkansas' tanning bill, he says, as a way to raise awareness about the possible harmful affects.

For now Arkansas teens can walk into any salon and tan, provided they have their parents sign a waver before getting into a tanning bed.

The waiver will have warnings about the possible dangers of repeated exposure to indoor tanning. And Arkansas lawmakers are trying to raise awareness about tanning safety.

The bill, HB1920 is still waiting on Governor Beebe's signature. The bill applies to tanning salons, apartments and gyms any businesses offering the service. There is no penalty or enforcement for the requirement.

And like the bill in Texas, this bill is getting a strong reaction from both sides – the ones trying to enforce the law and the ones who oppose it: the teens and, not surprisingly, the tanning salon owners, who have said they alert all teens of the potential dangers of overexposure.

Persuading teens to stop tanning could be a hard sell as many are concerned about physical appearances at that age. Another factor is a teenager's quest for independence at that age. A law like this will take away that freedom, something teens value as they assert themselves in the world.

Texas legislators seem to be ignoring the fact that they're already well-known for outdoor tanning on their beaches. They're ignoring the most popular tanning method in favor of curtailing the business practices of local business owners.

Other states considering similar measures include Florida and Hawaii, two other very popular outdoor tanning locales.

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