The Region : Gas Station Restroom Law Passes Test

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval to a law requiring all new gas stations built within 660 feet of major highways in the county’s unincorporated areas to install public restrooms. The compromise proposal was tentatively adopted after Supervisor Mike Antonovich said that several constituents, including a disabled veteran, were not allowed to use a gas station’s restroom unless he purchased gasoline. Antonovich had sought an ordinance requiring all new service stations to have public restrooms, not just those near a highway. Several gas station operators argued against the proposal, saying that it was discriminatory and should apply to any public businesses.