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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Gas station legislation originally proposed by Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz (D/Somers) that would require gas station owners to prominently display all gas prices whether cash or credit was unanimously passed by the Board of Legislators Tuesday night.
The new bill will amend Westchester County's Consumer Protection Code, requiring gasoline owners to display how much they will charge for cash and credit prominently, rather than just one price for cash visible from the road, and then different prices once someone drives up to the pump.
"Hard-working Westchester residents should not be lured into a gas station with posted signage of a cash price for gasoline that is substantially lower than the debit or credit price at the pump, said Kaplowitz, who serves as the BOL Environment & Energy Committee chairman. Im pleased that my colleagues on the County Board recognized this deceptive trade practice as bait-and-switch and joined me in voting to change our Consumer Protection Code to prohibit it.
Gas station owners could face a fine not to exceed $1,000 each day the violation takes place. In October, Kaplowitz held a press conference calling the practice "deceptive" and was supported by Citgo/Autobahn owner, Ron Guarino in Yorktown.
Customers have a right to know up front how much a gallon of gasoline will cost at the pumpit shouldnt come as a surprise," Guarino said.
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