Oakville bans teens from tanning beds

Oakville has become the first municipality in Ontario to ban teens from using tanning beds.

The decision by Oakville Town Council on Monday will prevent anyone under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning beds. The vote was unanimous.

"The science is there to back up this type of bylaw. And municipalities have the ability to legislate and move quickly on these things," said Coun. Pam Damoff.

The Canadian Cancer Society and other advocacy groups have been calling for the Ontario government to institute a similar ban for years.

Some Oakville councillors say they hope their action will prompt the province to follow suit.

NDP MPP France Gelinas introduced a private members bill in the spring and is hoping to get the legislation passed.

Gelinas' bill would "ban those under the age of 18 from using indoor ultra violet light treatments or tanning services, except when prescribed by a medical professional."

Oakville businesses that don't follow the new bylaw could be fined or lose their business licence.

Nova Scotia and British Columbia have already passed bans on indoor tanning for those under 19 and 18 years of age, respectively.