After a string of gas and dash incidents in Airdrie over the last few months, you might wonder if the Province needs to adopt a pre pay fuel law.

Since January of 2017, there has been close to 10 reported fuel thefts at local stations and while many have a pre-pay option at some pumps, it's not mandatory.

The Alberta Minister of Labour who would oversee a pre-pay law, wasn't available for comment but did provide this statement in an e-mail.

“Our government recognizes that fuel theft is an issue not just for employees but for their employers, the police and the community. Families need to know that when their loved ones go to work, they will come home safely at the end of the day.

That’s why our government launched a focused Occupational Health and Safety inspection campaign last year, visiting over 250 gas stations across the province to better understand the risks posed to these workers. As a result of those inspections, over 460 orders were written and OHS officers followed up to ensure employers made the necessary safety improvements. These inspections are continuing this year.

I was also pleased to meet with convenience store retailers, labour groups and safety organizations to hear suggestions first-hand on how to move forward. We are reviewing the results of these discussions to help determine the next steps in addressing this important issue.”

The issue of employee safety at gas stations came after the death of a woman in Calgary, who tried to stop a gas and dash suspect in the summer of 2015.

When it comes to the businesses themselves and their employees, many members are doing what they can to prevent gas and dash and say they'll work with the government on any changes.

"If the Alberta Government were to put in mandatory pre-payment, it would create a level playing field. Then all stations would have to meet the regulation and it would be very clear at that point," says Brian Ahearn, Vice President of the Canadian Fuels Association.

Ahearn pointed to the example of B.C. who passed mandatory pre-pay legislation in 2008, known as "Grant's Law".

Although Alberta doesn't have a mandatory system yet, Ahearn says some companies are already testing it.

"One of the members have gone ahead and implemented pre-payment to all their sites in Edmonton. They did it on a trial run and I believe they've continued it as well."

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