New Md. law means those 18 and under can’t use tanning beds

MARYLAND – Starting Tuesday, October 1 in Maryland tanning beds will be off-limits for those under the age of 18. The law passed unanimously during this year during the general assembly because of the health risks associated with it.

But some we spoke with say the decision shouldn’t have been the lawmakers to make.

“If that’s what girls want to do I think they should be able to do it,” said Sierra Kurek.

Prior to the law going into effect, teens could get parental consent to use a bed. Now with that off the table, some high school homecoming tanning plans may be up in the air. Since some prefer the bed over spray tans.

“Tanning beds look more natural on your skin, it’s like you went out in the sun, you’re just darker,” said Mia Harman.

As for how businesses will adjust to the change, Delaware already has the blueprint since they went through the same change 3 years ago.

The owner of Tropic Fever Tanning in Laurel met us off-site to tell us how the change affected their business – and what Maryland tanning salons could expect.

“Most of our customers understood and knew and they came right to spray tanning 45 so it affected us but it also just gave us more spray tanning clients, ” said Karen Weeg Thomas, owner of Tropic Fever Tanning Salon in Laurel.

Thomas believes the changes are extreme but says spray tanning is still a fine alternative for those under 18.

“If you need a tan you can still get tan. There’s also versa spa spray tan machine that we have, that you can go get a spray tan by a machine,” said Thomas.

And the one plus side for those who’s homecoming tanning plans may be on the fritz, we’re told spray tans work a lot quicker, so teens still have time to get bronzed up for the big dance.

“If you need a tan for tomorrow you can get a spray tan tonight versus like a tanning bed that you would actually have to work and gradually get a tan at,” Thomas said.