How to Follow the Under-18 Ban: Tips for Tanning Bed Operators

The Regulated Activities Regulation specifies that people under the age of 18 (minors) are not permitted to use tanning equipment ‒ and operators must not allow them to use it ‒ unless the minor has a prescription from a physician. Also, tanning bed facilities must display a government-approved sign in a clearly visible location, advising staff and customers about the under-18 tanning ban.

What ID should I use to determine a young person's age?

• Driver's licence with photo
• Passport
• Permanent Resident Card
• Other government-issued photo ID (e.g., BCEID or Certificate of Indian Status Card)

Is the customer old enough?

When checking ID, look at the year, month and day to make sure the customer is at least 18 years old. You may wish to use a calendar to help you.

How can I tell if the ID is valid?

• The photo should match the customer.
• The height, weight, eye colour and age should be correct.
• The ID should be current (not expired).
• The ID should be unaltered (not tampered with)

Examples of ID (Driver's Licence)

How can I tell if a prescription is authentic?

A prescription should include the:

• Physician's address and phone number, or College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) ID number.
• Patient's address and phone number.
• Date the prescription was issued.
• Number and frequency of treatments, or the length of time the prescription is valid. For example, "10x treatments on the tanning bed" or "can receive tanning treatment for six months."
• Physician's signature (should be an original written or electronic signature, not rubber stamped).
• To verify a young person's identity, ask to see their photo ID. If the physician has not included the patient's address on the prescription, copy it from the photo ID onto the prescription.

What should I do with the prescription?

Prescriptions should be filed by the date they are received in the tanning facility. At each visit, the client could sign a daily log sheet so the number of visits can be tracked. Keep each prescription on file for as long as it is valid.

Where should I post government-approved signs?

See Required Signage for Tanning Bed Facilities.