The Tanning Tax, One Year Later

[Conan71]

Gaspar's posting of the letter by Steve Wynn made me think of this.  I have no idea if the figure of 3000 salons closing is accurate nor how close to accurate it would be, but it illustrates how taxes can be a disincentive to productivity and commerce.

Tanning Salons Reflect On Year-Old 'Tan Tax'
By Gil Diaz, News Channel 3 Reporter

PALM SPRINGS -- When Eric Thompson took a job at B-Tan Too seven months ago, the tan tax was in place already.

But, customers still are unaware of it.

"There's a lot of people who come in here and say, 'Oh, but it says $55 [for an unlimited monthly package].' I know. But now, it's $60 because we have tax," he said.
The mandatory 10% tax originated to supplement President Obama's $940 billion health reform bill.

The tan tax is estimated to bring in $2.5 billion.

"I think it's kind of ridiculous," said Thompson. "But, it's the way we live now, and things are different."
Over 3,000 tanning businesses in the United States shut down since the tan tax began.
Luckily, Coachella Valley tanning salons have not been burned.

"As far as I think, the people I know who tan are pretty dedicated to their tans and looks," said Sharyn Cron, of Tanfastic, located on Baristo Rd.

Now, a group of Republican lawmakers are joining forces to repeal the tax.

"I'm surprised because Republicans are usually all about the money," said Cron. "They're trying to do that because there's an agenda behind it."

Assemblyman Michael Grimm (R-NY) said America's small businesses and hard-working middle class shouldn't have to foot the bill for "Obamacare."

Whether or not the tan tax is repealed, tanning salon workers don't think it'll make a difference to their businesses.

It's the exceptional customer service and excellent facilities that should keep customers coming back.

[carltonplace]

This part is deceptive: "Over 3,000 tanning businesses in the United States shut down since the tan tax began"

How many tanning businesses failed each year before the tanning tax was initiated?
Isn't the point of the tax to disincentivize a potentially hazardous practice (like taxing tobacco?)

A 2007 survey taken by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which guarantees loans for business startups, offers some examples of franchise failure rates as indicated by individual franchise brands (which have been rendered here generically):

Transmission service business: 10 percent
Hardware store chain: 6 percent
Ice cream shop: 0 percent
Second ice cream shop: 7 percent
Bagel store: 26 percent
Real estate company: 4 percent
Fried chicken restaurant: 10 percent
Mobile computer repair: 8 percent
Hair styling salon: 5 percent
Second hair styling salon: 7 percent
Smoothie store: 23 percent
Home plumbing service: 4 percent
Pet supplies chain: 15 percent
Pizza restaurant: 15 percent
Second pizza restaurant: 0 percent
Third pizza restaurant: 19 percent
Tanning salon: 14 percent
SourceGlobalBx Blog Posted by GlobalBX Staff on 07/27/09 at 05:07 PM

[TheArtist]

  Correlation isnt causation.  And if I had my way, tanning salons would be banned period let alone just have some measly little tax put on them.  So consider the tax a compromise lol.

 A tan is nothing more than evidence of skin damage like scar tissue or a bruise.  The other day I was talking to someone and they were bragging about how they used to have to take so long to tan and couldn't keep a tan very long, but anymore when they would tan it would last a lot longer,,, as if that was a good thing?  I stood there in shock thinking,,, all that means is that you have destroyed your skin to the point where it takes a lot longer for it to heal.  Stronger healthier skin will heal itself (de-tan) faster than aged and damaged skin will. Any time I see someone with a tan, I immediately think, "Wow, this person is an idiot."  And in their perverted little world they probably think others think they are attractive? lol

[custosnox]

  Correlation isnt causation.  And if I had my way, tanning salons would be banned period let alone just have some measly little tax put on them.  So consider the tax a compromise lol.

  A tan is nothing more than evidence of skin damage like scar tissue or a bruise.  The other day I was talking to someone and they were bragging about how they used to have to take so long to tan and couldn't keep a tan very long, but anymore when they would tan it would last a lot longer,,, as if that was a good thing?  I stood there in shock thinking,,, all that means is that you have destroyed your skin to the point where it takes a lot longer for it to heal.  Stronger healthier skin will heal itself (de-tan) faster than aged and damaged skin will. Any time I see someone with a tan, I immediately think, "Wow, this person is an idiot."  And in their perverted little world they probably think others think they are attractive? lol

I don't know if I completely buy into that, after all, how many races evolved in a high sun area to have darker skin?  There is still so much about the human body that we don't fully understand.  But on the opposite end of that, I look at my mother and my aunts.  My mother is the oldest, but her sisters, who tanned a lot (in booths) look a LOT older.  But that is a booth, and despite tanning a person, it could be more damaging than actual sunlight, after all, we supposedly get vitamins from the sun.

[TheArtist]

I don't know if I completely buy into that, after all, how many races evolved in a high sun area to have darker skin?  There is still so much about the human body that we don't fully understand.  But on the opposite end of that, I look at my mother and my aunts.  My mother is the oldest, but her sisters, who tanned a lot (in booths) look a LOT older.  But that is a booth, and despite tanning a person, it could be more damaging than actual sunlight, after all, we supposedly get vitamins from the sun.

Yes you can get vitamin D from the sun, but you don't need so much of it that you would be getting a tan in order to get the amount you need.  And can get vitamin D from other sources as well.  Exposure to the sun is cumulative, as in if your in the sun for 20 minutes one week, then 40 minutes the next, your skin will carry that 60 minute history along with it for the rest of your life. Then next weeks added to that, then next months, next years, etc.  However, I have seen people that have had bad skin from tanning get much healthier looking skin from staying out of the sun and quitting tanning for years.  

I have noticed that when people tan at first, they have a more even looking complexion.  Then as they "untan" or let the tan fade, its often rather splotchy looking.  At first its extremely subtle, but still enough that the thought goes through the persons mind that they just don't quite look as good (even toned) as they did when they were tanned.  Especially if your someone who has tanned a lot, when the tan starts to fade, they often look even worse.  The temptation is to run back and tan again.  But, if they were to continue to let the skin heal over a few years, their complexion would eventually even out and look healthy again.  My dad was a pipe fitter and worked outside on construction sites for most of his life.  He got skin cancer.  He started staying out of the sun and using sunscreen. Over the course of several years, his skin has started looking much healthier and he is doing well now. 


As for having naturally dark skin, even dark skinned people can burn or get tan/darker from being in the sun too much.  If you belong to one of those groups of people that evolved to have light skin, thats your natural, healthy, color.  Whether your naturally light or dark, you cant "evolve" darker colored skin in yourself or by going to a tanning booth lol.  The best "healthy glow" and way to get a rich, attractive complexion to your skin is by eating right (especially fruits and vegetables that have deep reds and orange colors which are also usually rich in vitamins) and exercising.  

[ZYX]

I am outside a lot, I use sunscreen, but I still get burned and end up with a huge tan by the end of summer. This may not be the right way to look at it, but I would rather enjoy life being outdoors at the lake, beach, pool, etc., and run the risk of damaging my skin than stay inside a lot or limit my time outside. I do try to stay out of the sun if it's available and apply sunscreen 2-3 times a day to avoid getting severely burned if I am outside all day. I try to protect myself against skin cancer, but I am not so worried that I won't get out in he sun.

[carltonplace]

I am outside a lot, I use sunscreen, but I still get burned and end up with a huge tan by the end of summer. This may not be the right way to look at it, but I would rather enjoy life being outdoors at the lake, beach, pool, etc., and run the risk of damaging my skin than stay inside a lot or limit my time outside. I do try to stay out of the sun if it's available and apply sunscreen 2-3 times a day to avoid getting severely burned if I am outside all day. I try to protect myself against skin cancer, but I am not so worried that I won't get out in he sun.

I love outside; there is no river in my house to run or ride my bike next to.

[Gaspar]

Selling tanning is kinda like selling water or air.

Sunshine is free!

I do have a new program I'm offering for anyone who wants to shed the pounds and get a nice healthy glow.  3 times a week you can come to my house, mow the lawn, clean the pool, trim the shrubs, and other chores. 

I only charge $5 a week.  SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!  There is a UPC code on the bottom of every 6 pack of Marshall's, bring me that (with the beer), and get $4 off each week!

[carltonplace]

Selling tanning is kinda like selling water or air.

Sunshine is free!

I do have a new program I'm offering for anyone who wants to shed the pounds and get a nice healthy glow.  3 times a week you can come to my house, mow the lawn, clean the pool, trim the shrubs, and other chores. 

I only charge $5 a week.  SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!  There is a UPC code on the bottom of every 6 pack of Marshall's, bring me that (with the beer), and get $4 off each week!

Clicking the "like" button

[Red Arrow]

I only charge $5 a week.  SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!  There is a UPC code on the bottom of every 6 pack of Marshall's, bring me that (with the beer), and get $4 off each week!

Wow!  What a deal.