What do you think of states that don't let you pump your own gas?

[IglooDame]

The point is that there is nothing inherently wrong with the law. No, it probably doesn't really impact safety significantly, and maybe the jobs it provides are not the greatest, but there's no down side. Gas stations in New Jersey (and, I would guess, Oregon) do no worse than those in neighboring states.

Now, how about we argue about some laws that actually do have down sides like the stringent blue laws of my native Bergen County, NJ? (I would actually argue in their favor, but many would argue against them.)

As noted previously, there are downsides - security of credit card payments, and one that just occurred to me is safety/security of station attendants.

I haven't thought of any reason why "station attendants must pump all gas" is better than "the station must pump gas when the customer requests it", and up until a few years ago non-NJ/OR stations had self- and full-serve pumps designated anyway. The full-serve gas was slightly more expensive, leading me to believe that NJ/OR have not figured out a solution that the other 48 states' stations have missed.

 

[Phlegmak]

Everyone on both sides of the debate should watch this!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=O21kyIJXWbs

That is one of the most beautifully funny Daily Show clips ever.

 

[Abaddon]

Seems ridiculus.. but it would be nice to have it back in the UK

 

[NKVD]

I didnt even know that!