Post by Kramer on Sept 5, 2012 12:11:47 GMT -5
Springfield aldermen vote to bar teens from tanning businesses
Springfield aldermen on Tuesday voted to prohibit minors from using commercial tanning beds, regardless of whether their parents say it’s OK.
The ban, which goes into effect Jan. 1, does not apply to spray tanning or tanning beds at private residences.
The proposal, pushed by Ward 5 Ald. Sam Cahnman, was revived Tuesday night after being stalled in committee for weeks. Physicians rattled off cancer statistics, and parents pleaded to the city council for help. It was approved on a 7-3 vote.
After Tuesday’s meeting, Cahnman encouraged tanning salons in nearby cities to follow the lead of FitClub, which will voluntarily bar minors from its tanning beds starting Monday.
“I think it will hasten the day when the state of Illinois will ban this statewide,” Cahnman said. “I think that day is coming, but I think the legislature was wanting to see more and more cities adopt it first.”
Support statewide ban
Ward 6 Ald. Cory Jobe directed the city attorney to draft a council 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.
Joining Cahnman and Jobe in support of the ordinance were Ward 2 Ald. Gail Simpson, Ward 3 Ald. Doris Turner, Ward 4 Ald. Frank Lesko, Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin and Ward 9 Ald. Steve Dove.
Voting against were Ward 1 Ald. Frank Edwards, Ward 8 Ald. Kris Theilen and Ward 10 Ald. Tim Griffin.
Edwards said parents should be able to educate their own children about the dangers of tanning beds.
“If we start looking at the government to be people’s parents, we’re in a lot of trouble,” he said.
State law bans children under 14 from tanning at salons. Parental consent is currently required for 14- to 17-year-olds.
Under the proposal passed Tuesday, businesses that allow customers under the age of 18 to tan will be fined $75 to $750 for first offenses. A second offense in a calendar year is a minimum fine of $250.
The county’s public health department will be responsible for enforcement.
Cahnman said the Springfield School District will include information about the dangers of tanning in its health classes.
Other action
In other business, the council approved:
•A $505,595 contract with P.H. Broughton & Sons to resurface streets and bring curbs into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the western part of Park South Subdivision. The project will be paid for with tax increment financing funds.
•A 5 percent preference on city contracts for businesses in Sangamon County. Businesses inside Springfield already receive a 5 percent preference.
•A preliminary plan and a variance for a new Schnucks grocery store planned for Dirksen Parkway and Singer Avenue.