Business & Tech

Local Tanning Salon Owner Responds to New Law

The owner of Almost in Florida — with locations in Glencoe and Highwood — weighed in on the new Illinois law that bans the use of tanning beds by those ages 18 and under.

Beginning January 1, 2014, teens will have to head outside if they want to get a summer glow.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a law Aug. 15 banning the use of tanning beds for people ages 18 and under. Previously, those under the age of 14 were banned, while teens ages 14 to 17 could use tanning beds with parental permission, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"Our young people have their whole lives ahead of them, and we want them to be well, grow and thrive in Illinois," Quinn said in a statement to the Tribune. 

But the owners of Almost in Florida Tanning and Resort Wear — with locations in Highwood and Glencoe — are among the many tanning salon owners who disagree with the law, saying that parents should be able to make decisions for their teenagers. 

"On many different grounds, I can say that I'm not in favor of parents losing control to the state or local governments," said a silent partner in the business that preferred to remain anonymous. "You're telling me that a parent cannot make a decision for their 17-year-old teenager? We can't trust a parent to do that? It's beyond me."

He added that the ban on tanning will mean more teens hitting the beach to tan in the direct sunlight. 

"Where do you think 17-year-olds are going to go if they can't get a quick, safe, limited-minute tan?" he asked. "They're going to go to the beach, with no protection under the harsh sun...all you're doing is forcing those kids to absolutely go to the beach now."

"The American Academy of Dermatology Association is proud to have supported this legislation and commends the state of Illinois for joining the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer," said Dr. Dirk M. Elston, the president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) in a statement on the organization's website

The partner in Almost in Florida recommended that people "follow the money," pointing out that the biggest advocates of this law was the AADA and the cosmetic industry — two industries that are likely to benefit from the tanning ban. 

He added that people with a light tan are less likely to use make-up, and those who use tanning for medical reasons (such as severe acne or psoriasis) will have to use a medical tanning system in dermatologists office, which can cost upwards of $85 per session. 

The owner said that less than five percent of Almost in Florida's customers are between the ages of 14 and 17, and an estimated 80% of those clients will continue to come in and spray tan.

Illinois is the sixth state to pass legislation prohibiting minors from using indoor tanning. Vermont, California, Oregon, Nevada and Texas have similar legislation.

Do you agree on the tanning bed ban? Let Patch know in the comments below! 


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