Just one month ago, directors of Canada’s Capital Regional District (CRD) postponed voting on a bylaw amendment to ban indoor tanning for those customers under the age of 18. Despite public hearings held through the summer, the December meeting was still filled with people looking to provide input on both sides of the debate. As such, an additional meeting was set for Jan. 12, 2011.
Last night at the nearly-five-hour hearing, the board heard from more than three dozen speakers, half of whom were against the ban. The vote, however, did not reflect the same opinions – 18 votes were cast for the ban, with only Metchosin Mayor John Ranns opposing. Mayor Ranns was willing to support a ban, but only for those under the age of 16.
The area’s electoral director anticipates the adoption of similar legislation will quickly sweep through Canada and the surrounding areas. Nova Scotia passed an under-18 tanning ban prior to the CRD.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Richard Stanwick has been pushing for the teen tan ban for about six years. He likened last night’s approval process to that of a smoking ban on school property back in the ’90s. Stanwick credits testimonies from the area’s young people as influencing the CRD’s vote in both causes. Ironically, the board received a petition with 800 signatures against the ban, as compared to 300 signatures from a high-schooler who had rallied in support of the ban.
The new bylaw requires salon staff to check identification for anyone who looks younger than 25. Those salons found in violation could suffer fines of up to $2,000.
Source
The Vancouver Sun: Teens under 18 will be banned from tanning beds; CRD voted last night
