This document was published under a previous government.

The Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013

The new Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds), 2013, which bans the use of tanning beds by youth under 18 years of age, will take effect on Thursday May 1, 2014. This legislation :

  • Prohibits the sale, advertising and marketing of tanning services to youth under 18;
  • Requires that tanning bed operators request identification from anyone who appears under 25 years old;
  • Requires tanning bed operators to post signs stating the ban on minors and the health risks of tanning bed use;
  • Requires that all individuals using tanning beds are provided with protective eyewear;
  • Requires that all tanning bed operators provide written notice of their location and business contact information to their local Medical Officer of Health;
  • Sets fines for tanning bed owners/operators who fail to comply; and
  • Authorizes inspectors to inspect and enforce these requirements.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds in its highest cancer risk category along with asbestos and tobacco.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has stated that tanning bed use increases the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. That risk is 75% higher if tanning bed use begins before the age of 35. This legislation will reduce the likelihood of youth being exposed to UV radiation at a young age.

How it affects you?

Tanning bed operators must be aware of their responsibilities under the new legislation that include:

  • Not providing or selling tanning services to youth under the age of 18;
  • Providing written notice of their business name, address and telephone number to the local Medical Officer of Health;
  • Requesting appropriate identification from anyone who appears to be under 25 years old;
  • Restricting advertising and marketing targeted at youth under 18 years old;
  • Posting the required health warning and identification signs; and
  • Requiring the use of protective eyewear and instruction on proper use.

How the Act Affects Tanning Bed Operators [PDF]

Signs for Retailers

Effective May 1, 2014, all tanning bed operators will be required to display four different types of signs under the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds): a Point of Sale Warning Sign, a Health Warning Sign, an Age Restriction and Identification Decal, and an Employee Reminder Decal. Signs must be visible to patrons.

Document download

Point of Sale Warning Sign
This is the principal health warning sign that warns potential users of the dangers associated with tanning bed use, advises of the requirement to use protective eyewear, and advises on the restriction of youth under 18 years old. It must be clearly displayed within one metre of each cash register where tanning services or ultraviolet light treatments for tanning are sold. The signs must be in the format shown here :
POS Warning Sign (Customer Poster)
1 pages | 1 Mb | PDF format

Health Warning Sign
This sign must be displayed in rooms where tanning beds are located to warn potential users of the dangers associated with tanning bed use and advises of the requirement to use protective eyewear. The signs must be in the format shown here :
Health Warning Sign (Point of Use – In room Poster)
1 pages | 1 Mb | PDF format

Age Restriction and Identification Decal
Retailers must post Age Restriction and Identification decals on all entrance doors of the tanning facility where there is UV tanning equipment on the premises. The sticker indicates that anyone under 18 years old is not allowed to use tanning beds and that anyone under 25 years old will be expected to show identification. The signs must be in the format shown here :
Door Decal_Sticker (Age Restriction)
1 pages | 1 Mb | PDF format

Employee Reminder Decal
This sign is to be stuck to the counter top at the cash register / service desk. From the counter top, the sign is to face the employee, not the patron. This sign reminds employees that individuals under 18 are restricted from tanning bed use and that they must ask for identification from anyone who appears to be under 25 years of age. The signs must be in the format shown here :
Employee Decal_Sticker
1 pages | 1 Mb | PDF format

To view Portable Document Format PDF files, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. You can download this free software from the Adobe website.

For More Information

Call ServiceOntario, Infoline at:
1–866–532–3161 (Toll–free)
In Toronto, (416) 314–5518
TTY 1–800–387–5559.
In Toronto, TTY (416)327–4282
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 
 
 
 
  • Connect With Us
Facebook Twitter YouTube RSS