Chief Medical Health Officer to pitch Tanning Bed ban for teens

VICTORIA - It's that time of year, when we fling off our clothes and pray to the sun gods to make us golden brown. But sometimes, people of a more pasty persuasion turn pink instead, the result of burning.

To guarantee results, many turn to a different idol: the tanning bed.

But, Greater Victoria's Chief Medical Health Officer wants to ban the tan for those with tender young skin.

Tomorrow, Dr. Richard Stanwick will bring forward a by-law prohibiting anyone under 18 in the capital region from getting fake sun.

Stanwick says young people are the most vulnerable when it comes to the damaging side of UV rays.

It comes as reasonably welcome news to some.

People in the tanning industry say the services they offer are safer than the sun's rays because the time and intensity of exposure is controlled, and they point out, there's nothing to stop young people from exposing themselves to harmful rays the old-fashioned way.

This marks the beginning of the process. The industry says it wants to self-regulate. Stanwick says a by-law would be more effective. Both sides will make first pitch to Capital Regional District representatives tomorrow.

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