Have i been discriminated against because i wear a helmet??

[flipper3au]

I had a rather blood boiling experience this afternoon. But as usual i managed to keep my cool and walk/ride away ....

I pulled into the Abbott's Rd exit, (Woollies)Caltex Service Station, Seven Hills, Sydney on my ZZR 600, bag and touring gear on. I have regularly done this for over 12 months, with my 250 early on, maybe once or twice a week, as the bike appears to run well on the Vortex. As per usual i pulled up at the browser with the air hose as i usually check my tyres also. Just handy!! You know how it is.
Turned the bike off, put it on its side stand, then centre stand. I removed my gloves, placed them on the front of the tank, flipped my Iridium visor to see better, unlocked the fuel cap, grabbed the petrol nozzle from the pump placed it in the tank, pulled the trigger and waited. All quite normal and usual
And waited and waited and waited and waited, with my hand squeezing the nozzle
So i looked over at the desk, as they sometimes forget to reset the pumps, to see a guy indicating to me to take my helmet off, after waving back at him to start the pump, he keeps waving to take my helmet off. So what do i do, i need fuel, so i take the helmet off, wave my arms and he starts the pump. I'm still outside at this stage
I fill up with about $14 worth of fuel, march in to pay for the fuel and tell the guy, "it's bullshit to stop people from pumping petrol whom wear a helmet and stop discriminating against motor cycle riders whom want fuel"".......He's says "its the law" i say "show me the law" then he says "it's in the back" so i say "OK show me".He says "he can't because their is no one else around. He has to wait for his supervisor to return"" (at 4pm!!) . More bullshit!!
I pay and leave, indicating to him that every other store person's/staff have never stopped me from pumping fuel with my helmet on and vowing never to be buying fuel there again. Then he starts apologizing as he knows he lost a harmless paying customer!!!

I am well aware and fully understand the reasoning behind not wearing a helmet within the stores, any stores, for that matter. But between you and me, if i needed to make a fast get-away, do you think i would take off my gloves and put the bike on the centre stand, far away from the exit area, or get my wallet out of my bag for a $14 heist!!!

It appears that i have been stereotyped as a would-be criminal or thief, from the onset. No other service station has ever asked me to remove my helmet before pumping fuel, and on the odd occasion i do sometimes rush in with the helmet on, running late for the kids, work, etc etc sometimes they request i take it off, i apologize for not doing it sooner and once they see my grin, grey beard, slight hobble, have a little joke, they realize i am no danger to anyone, other than myself!! All cool.

Has this ever happened to anyone else ??? Is it a law ?? Am i completely wrong and never been compliant?? What about hats and sunglasses???

If so, please tell me and i will gladly apologize!!

PS i tried to check my tires before i left but the gauge was broken!! Go figure!!

Thanks for letting me vent!!

[photomike666]

If you knew how many drive/ride aways there were, it would give you an idea of how much the servos lose. This is not money from the oil companies, as the servos ar usually leased and they have purchased the fuel. By leaving you helmet on it looks like you are going to ride off without paying.

I use a BP servo regularly, and the Ultimate pump nearest the exit is always out of order - this is the most common pump for drive offs, so they lock it.

I guess there are two options, try and find another servo they will allow you to leave the hat on or go to Mobile where they have pay at pump.

[dave#3]

I've got a feeling he's correct - I think the theory is that with your lid on if you splash fuel and it ignites it's harder for the console operator to put you out. I can only think of one case where I've been hassled for something similar though, and often fuel up with my lid on, particularly with pay at the pump pumps.

[Mike]

Just take your helmet off. It's not discrimination. They are just trying to protect their businesses from grotty thieves. In my opinion its just common curiosity and only takes 5 seconds to get off.

[Lurch]

The 'its the law' is complete and utter BS.
It's company policy - at best.
AND 90% of the time, the 'No Helmets' sign is on the door to the shop. Which is horribly stupid of them, as they cannot put a condition of sale on AFTER the goods/services have been delivered. In theory, there is no reason why you cannot fuel up, walk to the door, decided that this was NOT part of the ORIGINAL condition of sale (ie there is nothing written on the pump) and simply leave.

[Wattie]

take it off, and put a stocking on your head. there's no rule against wearing a stocking on your head

[MrWasabi]

With the fuel prices as they are and the ever growing number of drivers/riders that take off I'm not surprised. People are stealing plates to fill up their car and drive off, if they can get your mug on camera it's a little bit more reasuring that you may be caught.

The servo up the road knows me and my bike, I've been going to it for over 4 years and I'm on first name basis with all the employees, it's only recently that they said to me if I wanted to leave my helmet on I could.

I agree it's not discrimination... Try walking into a bank with it on and see how long you last. Besides most servos should have a sign by the door saying that helmets are not allowed to be worn inside. Sure you were outside at the time but times have changed and everyone is a bit more on edge.

[MrWasabi]

The 'its the law' is complete and utter BS.
It's company policy - at best.
AND 90% of the time, the 'No Helmets' sign is on the door to the shop. Which is horribly stupid of them, as they cannot put a condition of sale on AFTER the goods/services have been delivered. In theory, there is no reason why you cannot fuel up, walk to the door, decided that this was NOT part of the ORIGINAL condition of sale (ie there is nothing written on the pump) and simply leave.

its not a condition of sale, its a condition of entry.

Simply because you get the goods before you make the payment doesnt make it right to walk away if you decide you dont want to take your helmet off and refuse to accept the conditions of entry to the shop.

[mick_dundee]

Just take your helmet off. It's not discrimination. They are just trying to protect their businesses from grotty thieves. In my opinion its just common curiosity and only takes 5 seconds to get off.

Courtesy perhaps even? I have pulled into servos that have asked me to take my lid off, if they don't start the pump because I have a lid on I simply go elsewhere. I understand the reasoning behind it, but if I want to take my lid off then that decision is mine, if I don't, that decision is mine too, don't want to offer me service because I wear a lid, fine, i'll just go elsewhere.

Oh and it's definitely NOT a law. I went into Aldi the other day, there's a woman in her Muslim ninja gear, did anyone even bat an eyelid, nope, so if motorcycling is my religion then I should be fine to wear my lid whereever I want

[Rossi]

Wear a Burka under your helmet next time
Can you imagine the shitfight if he had tried to stop a Muslim from filling up

[Mike]

Cheers Mick. I never did pass that grade 4 spelling test

[laidback]

I work in a servo. It is not law but some companies policy. The reason that you are requested to remove your helmet is so that you mug can be captured on the video. You have a choice - comply with requirements or go else where.

Our site does not have a displayed policy but we do record vehicle descriptions and close pumps not needed/furtherest from console.

PS a lot of servos now require prepayment after certain hours due to drive-aways.

[tim]

Similar, I've been told I have to GET OFF the bike when filling up also. Makes sense I suppose, if the things gonna blow up best not to be sitting on it looking down into the tank............ easier to ride off too.

[mick_dundee]

Wear a Burka under your helmet next time
Can you imagine the shitfight if he had tried to stop a Muslim from filling up

This was Aldi it's a supermarket chain, am sure you've seen some in your travels Paul

I find it very difficult to imagine a Burka wearing Muslim driving a car and sure as heck hope I never see it.. hey wear the Burka as they are brow beaten by their husband in the name of religion, not like hubby would let her drive.. shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, no drama, driving, me thinks not.

[Neilp]

It's called common manners (courtesy) I used to own a servo, so I have been on both sides of the fence, also used to have simalar problems with some riders wanting remain seated while refueling, some of the video footage I have been shown where riders have set themselves on fire are not very pleasant. (cant be very pleasant spilling fuel on those parts either)If these rules are in place there is usually a reason behind them. However there are always those that will question the rules!
If you dont want to be descriminated against for wearing a helmet, dont wear one, dont see you lasting long with the law though!


Neil