The government on Tuesday presented a proposal to parliament that would modify existing legislation to make it illegal for such businesses to sell their services to minors.
The cabinet argues that such preventive measures are necessary given the the dangers linked to ultra-violet rays from tanning machines.
The number of cases of skin cancer in the canton have doubled in the past 20 years and the growth of artificial tanning “solariums” is believed to have been a contributing factor.
“We are saying no to minors and yes to prevention,” Marc Tille, Vaud’s chief of business regulation told the ATS news agency.
The cantonal government said it is scientifically proven that the use of tanning machines significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
Meanwhile, children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to to the harmful effects of UV rays.
Vaud is following in the footsteps of the canton of Jura, which outlawed the use of tanning salons by customers under the age of 18 at the beginning of the year.
The federal government is considering possible national legislation to the same effect but “it is not advancing quickly enough”, Tille said.
The planned legislation will require sun tanning businesses to check the age of their customers.
Violators would face administrative penalties, including the potential loss of business licences, and fines.
The government said it also wants to bolster regulations that outlaw the sale of cigarettes to minors.
Tests show the ban is regularly flouted in shops.
The proposed crackdown would empower the canton to revoke licences in cases where vendors are caught repeatedly selling tobacco to underage customers.
Please whitelist us to continue reading.
Member comments