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.

Donate to Inkspot

$1880

$3000

Contributed

Our Goal

IF YOU SHARE THE INKSPOT'S PASSION for empowering Normal Community's aspiring journalists and equipping them with viable and valuable digital media skills, please consider contributing to our cause.
Your support plays a vital role in enabling the Inkspot to invest in top-tier equipment, maintain memberships in distinguished professional organizations such as the Journalism Education Association and National Scholastic Press Association, send our students to compete at state and national contests, and attend the National High School Journalism Convention.
Your generosity is the key to providing these students with a truly enriching educational experience. THANK YOU.

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.