By August 26, a new warning label (called a “contraindication” in FDA parlance) has to be on all sunbeds:
Attention:
This sunlamp product should not be used on persons under the age of 18 years.
The text has to be at least ten (10) millimeters high and the warning must be placed in a “black box.” A “black box warning” is FDA-specific – it must be permanently affixed on the bed or booth so as to be legible and readily accessible for the tanner to view before use of the product. The sticker should appear on a part or panel displayed prominently under normal conditions of use so that it is readily accessible to view whether the tanning bed canopy (or tanning booth door) is open or closed when the customer approaches the equipment.
The FDA said it expects the equipment manufacturers to make this label available for tanning beds that the manufacturer produces. Check with your distributor or equipment manufacturer if you have not received the label.
The FDA doesn’t address this, but for businesses in states where under-18 tanning is still allowed, the ITA recommends that salons also put that warning on the parental consent form.
Obamacare is Here for at Least Two More Years
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in King v Burwell was a blow to those who oppose Obamacare and was also a major blow to chances that the Tan Tax will be repealed in this Congress. Had the Court narrowly interpreted the law and ruled that federal subsidies for health insurance had to come from exchanges set up by the states instead of through an exchange set up by the Federal Government, from which millions of people receive the subsidy today, Congress and the President would have had to agree on changes to the law in order to restore the subsidies. This rewrite of Obamacare would have created the legislative vehicle for the repeal of the Tan Tax.
While there is significant support for repealing this onerous tax – and a bill was introduced in June with that goal in mind – there is very little chance it will be repealed as a “stand-alone” measure. Even if the Tan Tax repeal passed the more conservative House of Representatives, it would take 60 votes to get it through the Senate and then would have to overcome a Presidential veto. Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine how this could happen.
Most insiders agree that the only way the tax can possibly be repealed is through a comprehensive rewrite of the tax code. That is what makes this ruling so demoralizing. There are no other court challenges likely, and there is little chance that the House of Representatives, Senate and the White House can agree on overhauling the tax code. In all likelihood, we will be forced to wait until a new Administration comes to Washington after the 2016 general election – and that is at least 18 months away. ■
Tanning World Expo UPDATE
Columbus, OH
September 25-27, 2015
The ITA Board of Directors is excited about every aspect of the show, but particularly pleased with the way the educational lineup is taking shape.
Friday’s leadoff program is the Sun is Life® Salon Operator Certification. This training is cutting edge and just like the breakout sessions on Saturday and Sunday, it is designed by professionals who are experts in current industry standards. This training is designed to ensure that salon operators and staff deliver exceptional guest experiences in their facilities. You can sign up to take this training at sunislife.com or through the link on tanningworldexpo.com .
Our keynote speaker, Jeff Hayzlett, will kick off Saturday morning’s program and is “all business” – guaranteed to give everyone some ideas to take back to their salons which can be implemented right away. If you haven’t already done so, check out Jeff’s website at hayzlett.com and view one of his videos. If Jeff can’t fire up our crowd, then no one can!
The breakout sessions on Saturday and Sunday have been designed by salon owners for salon owners, and that is not just talk! We have businessmen and businesswomen from across the industry ready to give you and your staff a wealth of practical business advice, as well as provide staff sales training.
Industry veteran John Farr will host dynamic workshops, including a session on the best ways to recognize and hire “sales rock stars” for your team. In the second part of this program, John will talk to owners and managers about how to motivate these millennials to reach their peak performance levels!
Also on Saturday, JR Homer (Insta Tan) will moderate a panel which will address ways to increase lotion sales. This discussion will include representatives from major lotion makers who will discuss strategic and effective sales techniques without trying to sell you specific products.
Todd Earnhart (Glo Sun Spa) and Bill Mandry (Heartland Tanning) will also be there on Saturday to share with owners and staff their secrets for increasing sunless revenue, clearly an area of great opportunity for all salons.
On Sunday, we’ve sheduled a number of presentations you will not want to miss. Two veteran professionals with tremendous experience analyzing the numbers, Todd Earnhart and Rob Quinn (TanPro), will talk to owners about how to better understand revenue and expense numbers.
In addition, David Givans (Islandtanz) and JR Homer will lead a strategic session for salon owners on specials and promotions that really work. Givans will also host a session exploring the latest in social media marketing. Closing out the Sunday sessions, John Farr will help you find the path to super-selling EFT memberships.
While this lineup is impressive, stay tuned for news of additional industry experts who will contribute to the trade show’s educational program.
Don’t wait until the last minute to register; our block of hotel rooms for $130/night is going fast! Visit tanningworldexpo.com.
And, don’t forget, every dollar of profit goes back into promoting and protecting your business and our industry. I hope to see you in Columbus!
Thanks,
John Overstreet
