No tanning law change in Illinois

Ellery Fry, Photo & Design • Jan 17, 2013

An inside view of a tanning bed.

Contrary to public speculation, no new tanning laws will be in effect in the Bloomington-Normal area. Confusion may be surfacing from cities such as Chicago and Springfield, which are banning minors from using indoor tanning beds regardless of parental consent.

Ilga.gov reveals a motion from March of 2012 to make indoor tanning illegal for all minors in the state of Illinois. This motion has not been acted on a statewide level according to the owner of B-N Tanning.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Indoor Tanning Association is attempting to “steer the debate away from an all-out ban for minors.” Although spending time in a tanning bed can be unhealthy, a complete ban of minors would seriously affect the industry.

Unlike retail stores, a tanning salon’s busy season is near the dates of homecoming and prom. The speculated ban scheduled to begin February 1^st would greatly affect the prom season profits.

According to The Pantagraph, “California was the first state to approve a ban on indoor tanning for minors. Illinois and a handful of other states have proposed legislation for a complete ban on minors from tanning this year.” Also, the citywide bans in Springfield and Chicago are showing hope on a statewide ban in Illinois.

As of now, a tanning ban for minors will not go into effect. Various associations on both sides of the debate are attempting to steer the vote in their favor. However, the Bloomington-Normal area will not have to find an alternative indoor tanning option for the upcoming spring break and dance season.

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About the Contributor

Ellery Fry, Photo & Design

Ellery Fry is senior and first year journalism student. She is on the Photo & Design desk for the Inkspot. Although Ellery has writing experience from English classes, this is her first time writing for a publication. Ellery is currently in her fourth year as a varsity cheerleader and is involved in many clubs through the school. She also enjoy Harry Potter, cats, and hanging out with friends.