Early Arguments, Self-Serve Gasoline

I've been watching the arguments related to self-serve gasoline unfold across various venues in Arlington.

So far this is how the argument seems to be taking shape:

One, the change from full-serve to self-serve will not result in any cheaper gasoline in Arlington.

Our prices are already as low as in neighboring communities that allow self-serve.

Two, there is concern from the disabled community, as well as anyone with lower than typical mobility, about losing the full-service norm in Arlington.

It has been pointed out that the ADA requires that full service be provided to those that need it, but there are exceptions; for example, when only one attendant is on duty, this obligation does not have to be met.

It is also in my mind a bit disingenuous to claim that full service won't be prohibited, and therefore not impacted.

It won't be prohibited, but I can't imagine it not being impacted.

I imagine full service will exist at the same level as other places that do not prohibit self service.

Pull up to get gas in a community that has self-service, and wait for full-service. Compare that to getting full service in Arlington.

Finally, it has been said that the station owners have not asked for this change, and in the past have opposed them.

Self-service stations require additional improvements, such as overhead fire suppression devices, that are costly.

Also, Arlington becomes more attractive to the dominant players in this marketplace, that favor a "convenience-store" model, which it is feared may put our small operators out of business.

The current model in Arlington is one of a full-service station, that makes additional money not by having a small convenience store, but by doing automotive repair and inspection work.

On the other hand, a lot of people really want to be able to pump their own gas, and believe they could get in and out faster if they were allowed to do so.

Those that feel strongly that self-service should be allowed so far seem to feel that full-service will not be impacted for those that desire it.

That does not seem likely to me. At this point - and there'll be a lot more arguments presented before this is through - I would say we should just leave things the way they are now.

However the real question for me right now is not whether the arguments are better on one side or another.

The real question is whether hearing these arguments, residents feel that having self-service is important enough we should move forward and make this change, or not.

I hope to figure out the answer to that, and vote accordingly.