COON RAPIDS, Minn. – In a matter of weeks, Coon Rapids gas stations will no longer be required to demand pre-payment for gasoline. In August, Coon Rapids became the first city in Minnesota to have an ordinance requiring pre-payment. The ordinance was initiated by the police department who said that requiring pre-payment would be a simple and effective way to eliminate the hundreds of drive off that were happening every year. Each of these drive-offs needed a police response, and took up valuable officer time according to the department.
Now, eight months later, the city council voted five to two to repeal the policy. Gas station owners had complained about the decrease in sales after the ordinance went into effect, and had asked the city to reconsider. The MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce also supported repealing the ordinance. For now, the ordinance will remain in effect until May 4, allowing time for proper legal notices and postings.
