SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | Another major Illinois city has passed a ban on minors using commercial tanning beds.
Springfield aldermen on Tuesday approved a ban that applies even if minors have permission from their parents to tan, The State Journal-Register reported. The Chicago City Council passed a similar ban in June.
"I think it will hasten the day when the state of Illinois will ban this statewide," Springfield Alderman Sam Cahnman said. "I think that day is coming, but I think the Legislature was wanting to see more and more cities adopt it first."
Illinois law bans children younger than 14 from tanning at salons. Teens ages 14 to 17 need parental consent.
Springfield Alderman Cory Jobe asked the city attorney to draft a resolution supporting a statewide ban.
"While I do not support an increase in burdens on our local small business of increased mandates by government, I do feel the risk of inaction by us as a City Council is too great and we must take responsibility here tonight," Jobe said.
Tanning beds received media attention earlier this summer after a deeply tanned New Jersey woman was accused of allowing her 5-year-old daughter to use a tanning bed. She was charged with child endangerment and has pleaded not guilty.
The Springfield ban goes into effect Jan. 1 and doesn't apply to spray tans or tanning beds in private residences. The Sangamon County Medical Society endorsed the ban.
"A ban on tanning will save lives," said Dr. Dareen Siri, vice president of the medical society.
Under the Springfield ban, businesses will be fined between $75 and $750 for first offenses. A second offense within a calendar year will result in a minimum $250 fine.
The Sangamon County public health department will enforce the ban.
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