Tanning Salons Reflect On Year-Old ‘Tan Tax’

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Whether or not the tan tax is repealed, tanning salon workers don’t think it’ll make a difference to their businesses.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