Eric Schneiderman Not Tantalized by Indoor Tanning

Schneiderman's office reported that it has recently filed lawsuits against two indoor tanning salons. These two tanning salons are being sued on the charge that they have falsely advertised the risks of tanning and the effects it produces. Total Tan Inc. and Portofino Spas LLC. are being sued by the Attorney General's office on state law violations for misleading testimonies and claims. Both companies are said to have advertised tanning as a way to increase vitamin D, reduce risk of cancer, reduce risk of heart disease and by also using false testimonies of other individuals.

Above: Attorney general Eric Schneiderman

“Make no mistake about it: There is nothing safe about indoor tanning,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “The use of ultra-violet devices increases exposure to cancer-causing radiation and puts millions of Americans in serious danger – young adults, in particular. Irresponsible businesses that seek to rake in profits by misleading the public about the safety of their services will be held accountable by my office. Advertising and marketing cannot be used as a tool to confuse and endanger New York consumers.”

 In return, owners of tanning salons have fired back at Schneiderman's lawsuit saying they will not be belittled by the AG, who tries to impose his own perspectives on the views of other businesses. Total Tan Inc. is a small family-owned business with 26 salons across upstate New York, and Portofino Spas LLC with five salons in Manhattan.

Total Tan Inc. has denied allegations from the AG's office by hiring lawyers who cited that they have not violated state laws. The small family-owned business also released statements claiming that the AG's led investigator is the wife of a former company executive fired by Total Tan Inc. Portofino's has not made comments since the lawsuit was filed at the state supreme court in New York City.