That’s probably it. We don’t want people killing themselves by pouring gas all over them and setting themselves on fire.
But, in all seriousness, I’m an Oregonian and I love not having to pump my own gas - especially in the rain.
as an ex Oregonian pump jockey. While it was illegal for anyone to pump their own gas we would still let anyone with a classic/expensive car or motorcycle pump their own gas if they wanted. The big complaints came in the winter, people asking if they could keep their car running to keep themselves warm while we pumped their gas. They would talk about how sorry they felt for us out in the cold.
I spent about three months in Oregon this summer working on “The Biscuit Fire” (Oregonians will know what that is). I actually pumped my own gas several times with no repercussions. The station was pretty busy, and I got tired of waiting, and got out and pumped my own. I would think in that situation, the attendants would be appreciative as they were quite busy at the time.
Still illegal, even if appreciated.
Thanks for your help with Biscuit.
I suspect the justification is safety. Although I’m not sure that gas station employees are given all that much training in safety procedures.
And by the way, I got bawled out at the Seattle World’s Fair for carrying my own beer from the bar to the table. That was a no-no.