Ahead of state, tanning businesses limit teen use

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — About 100 tanning salon companies have agreed to toughen rules for teens tanning themselves to avoid more stringent state laws.

The Journal Inquirer of Manchester reports that the owners agreed to not allow children younger than 16 on tanning beds without a doctor's recommendation and require parental permission for 16- and 17-year-olds.

State law requires that tanning salons get written parental permission before allowing anyone younger than 16 to tan. Lawmakers last year proposed a tanning bed ban for those younger than 18. The measure failed.

Groups such as the American Cancer Society and American Academy of Dermatology say tanning bed use can cause skin cancer.

Opponents say tanning can be done responsibly.

Tom Kelleher, who owns 14 tanning salons in Connecticut, says the new industry rules are in response to proposed legislation in the last few years.

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Information from: Journal Inquirer