Qld Govt makes new year’s resolution to stop tanning
SPRAY tanning is set to boom with the Queensland government announcing it will ban solariums on January 1.
Our northern neighbours are a bit behind when it comes to solarium regulations, our State Government announced in February there would be a complete ban from December 2014.
The proximity of Tweed to Coolangatta has spray tanner Laura Hawken excited with the possibility of new clients.
"I'm happy it's going to increase," she said.
But she's not just happy about the extra income she will gain, she's also happy people are reducing their risk of cancer.
"Solariums are just really bad for the skin and its collagen are ruined," she said.
The beauty therapy student said it was great the government were coming around and the people who were upset with the decision should suck it up.
"If they have the need to get harmful UV damage they can go lay in the sun and get a tan, and get wrinkly and old," she said.
Northern NSW Cancer Council spokeswoman Rhian Paton-Kelly said it was great Queensland had followed suit.
"It is a very important health regulation," she said.
NSW Cancer Council research showed people who have ever used a solarium before the age of 35 have an 87% greater risk of melanoma than those who have never used a solarium.
Queensland's new regulations will mean the supply, use or ownership of a commercial solarium is against the law.
The ban also means licensed operators of solariums will not be able to replace equipment if it breaks down.
