Resolution 718, an amendment to the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Act, codified in Chapter 454 of the Suffolk County Code, was signed into law July 11 by Steve Levy, County Executive of Suffolk County New York. The amended law institutes countywide tanning salon restrictions for tanning salons and customers.
The law prohibits minors under age 14 from using a tanning device in a tanning facility unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who remains physically present at all times, unless written consent is given in person stating the period of time for which the minor is permitted to use tanning devices in the tanning facility. Consent forms are to be retained by tanning facilities for a period not to exceed six months, along with a copy of the parent or guardian's driver license.
The law also requires tanning facilities to comply with the provisions of state law as they relate to the posting of warning signs, the availability of educational information on the health risks associated with the use of a tanning facility and the use of proper eye protection by each patron. Tanning facilities are required to post a sign advising patrons of the prohibitions contained in this chapter, which cannot contain letters less than half inch on a contrasting background.
Furthermore, any advertisement, coupon, flier or other printed material paid for, produced, published or distributed by, or on the behalf of, any tanning facility shall contain the following warning: “TANNING INCREASES YOUR RISK OF SKIN CANCER." This warning shall be displayed conspicuously on the advertisement, coupon, flier or other printed material in such a way so as to be clearly legible.
This law shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this law.
For more information on this law or for a list of the amendment's sponsors, visit www.co.suffolk.ny.us/legis/.