§ 10-3. Motor fuel service station facilities.

(a) In general.

The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore finds and declares that the public health, safety, welfare, and convenience require motor fuel service stations offering motor fuel for sale at retail to the public, have and maintain toilet and hand washing facilities and water for motor vehicle purposes.

(b) Definitions.

(1) In general.

In this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) Convert.

"Convert" means to alter or change the method of distribution of motor fuel from full service method of distribution to a minimum service method of distribution by construction, renovation or otherwise altering the method of distribution of motor fuel into the tanks and vehicles of consumers.

(3) Full service.

"Full service" means that service provided by a retail dealer of a motor fuel service station for consumers, including dispensing of motor fuel by the retail dealer or the retail dealer's employees along with auxiliary services for the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles on the premises inside a garage or other motor fuel service station structure or enclosure.

(4) Minimum service.

"Minimum service" means that service provided by a retail dealer of a motor fuel service station for consumers including the dispensing of motor fuel by a retail dealer or retail dealer's employees or permitting the consumers to serve themselves by dispensing motor fuel into their own tanks or motor vehicles and does not have a garage or other motor fuel service station structure or enclosure for the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles.

(5) Motor fuel service stations.

"Motor fuel service stations" means any motor fuel service station, service station, filling station, store, garage, or other place of business for the retail sale of motor fuel or the sale or dispensing of motor fuel for delivery into the service tank or tanks of any motor vehicle which is propelled by an internal combustion motor.

(c) Free services required.

After January 1, 1980, every retail dealer licensed under this subtitle who opens a new motor fuel service station shall provide free of charge to patrons the following:

(1) toilet facilities and hand washing facilities maintained in good working order and sanitary conditions;

(2) hand towels at every self-service island for the use of patrons; and

(3) at least 1 water outlet in good operating condition and accessible to patrons.

(d) No diminution in service.

Retail dealers currently operating motor fuel service stations shall provide any or all of the facilities required by subsection (c) to the same extent that they are provided by those facilities on January 1, 1980.

(e) Converted stations.

Retail dealers who convert their motor fuel service stations from a full service motor fuel service station to a minimum service motor fuel service station shall provide any or all of the facilities required by subsection (c) to the same extent that they provided those services on January 1, 1980, before the conversion.