Surrey may soon consider banning minors from using indoor tanning beds.

Dr. Helena Swinkels, a Fraser Health medical officer, was set to appear before Surrey city council Monday (Feb. 6) to speak about the health concerns associated with the beds, and the dangers of teen use. There are currently no regulations by the tanning industry itself.

Coun. Barinder Rasode said Surrey has already shown its support in banning youth from being able to use indoor tanning beds. Rasode said council supported a resolution at Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) at its 2011 convention. The resolution says the UBCM will lobby the provincial government to introduce legislation to ban indoor tanning for those under 18.

"I just believe that we have a responsibility to help people recognize health issues," Rasode said. "The age of consent should be taken into account."

Rasode said there's a good possibility Surrey will look at creating a bylaw banning youth from using the beds.

The Capital Regional District, which includes the City of Victoria and several other surrounding municipalities, has a bylaw that states minors are not allowed to use tanning beds. Violators are subject to a $250 to $2,000 fine.