Gov. Signs Bill Banning Teen Tanning

South Bay teens under 18 will no longer be able to use tanning beds to get a sun-kissed glow now that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation banning minors from using the ultraviolet beds.

Senate Bill 746, sponsored by state Sen. Ted Lieu, who represents Redondo Beach, prevents anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning bed. Previously, teens aged 14-17 could use the beds with a parent's permission.

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Lieu said he initially tried to get a similar bill passed in 2007, but failed.

"I'm pleased that over fours year later that it has now become law," Lieu said Monday. "I think it will help save lives and reduce unnecessary suffering. The evidence is now conclusive that indoor tanning causes melanoma."

Lieu said melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death among women and that early exposure to the intense ultraviolet rays emitted by tanning beds can increase the lifetime risk of melanoma by 75 percent. He said he believes that that spray tanning is a far better option than outdoor tanning and tanning beds.

Lieu's bill was backed by multiple medical groups, including the American Cancer Society, the California Medical Association, California Society of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery and the Aim at Melanoma Foundation.

A number of local residents Patch spoke with also .

Nevertheless, the Indoor Tanning Association opposed the measure, saying the ban would "take away a very basic right of parents—the right to decide whether or not a teen can suntan indoors," according to a petition on the association's website.

Lieu acknowledged that it was difficult to get the bill passed.

"The tanning industry is still a very strong industry—that's why a lot of states that have tried to do this have failed," Lieu said. "Now that California has done it, other states will follow."

Redondo Beach has several indoor tanning salons.

When they go into effect Jan. 1, California's regulations against teen tanning will be the toughest in the country, Lieu has said previously. Several European countries, including France and England, have banned minors' use of tanning beds, and Brazil has banned tanning beds entirely.

Editor's note: This article has been modified from its original version to reflect comments made by Lieu on Monday.