So, having a senior Shell manager as a mate, I can say this is under review.
The real reason they need to see your face is that petrol can only be purchased by someone over 16 years - so, just like selling booze or fags, the garage can get a substantial fine if they authorise the pump to an under 16.
A mandate was issued by Shell HQ that all motorcyclists should show their face. The manager that signed this off was not satisfied that someone riding a bike has to by law be over 16 years. Their paranoia was that someone breaking the law might buy petrol leading to fines and loss of licence plus bad publicity.
It seems that this has had an unexpected backlash and employees are complaining about dealing with hostile motorcyclists. Petrol stations have a high staff turnover of staff anyway and this is a contributing factor.
So, in the new year, said friend has been tasked with reviewing their policy to a) comply with the law so that staff & businesses won't cop a fine b) keep customers happy c) keep staff happy.
My suggestion wa to have pay at pump at all stations - it is simple to check age as you only accept cards available to over 16s. Shell doesn't like this as punters don't go into the shop to buy groceries, snacks etc.
I have also said that letting someone have the petrol and then asking them to remove their helmet to enter the shop does not solve the "over 16" problem as they already have the petrol. Apparently, some retailers don't want people in the shops wearing helmets as staff feel intimidated, the soft cúnts.
This has led to quite a few alcohol fuelled arguments with my mate but at least he is doing something about it now!
Perhaps I should open a thread for updates on developments, although that might get the mate into trouble as he tells me stuff not in the public domain (he announced this review in a Facebook group, hence me sharing it here). I could keep the thread locked to stop it getting to 20 pages.
but I'm afraid it's urdowells....
