Proposed legislation could have Cleveland gas station owners facing a misdemeanor if they knowingly allow illegal dirt bike and ATV riders to fill-up at their pumps.
Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell is one of a few city leaders who support the proposed law, which would also crack down on unlicensed rogue riders, who engage in potentially dangerous stunts on Cleveland roads and highways.
Conwell believes gas station owners should be held accountable.
Under the proposed legislation, gas station owners caught three times or more could be deemed a nuisance and potentially have their liquor license revoked.
Conwell said the proposed law will play a big role in cracking down on illegal riders, who create a real city safety issue.
"If you can cut back on the filling up of the dirt bikes, then you wouldn't have the problem," said Conwell.
"We need to have a sit down with these gas station owners, and bring them to the table. How can we stop this?"
However, some Cleveland gas station owners believe the proposed legislation is unfair, is unenforceable, and won't help stop illegal dirt bike riders.
Mohammed Fekieh, owner of the Gas USA location at W.65 and Denison Avenue said the proposal is simply unfair.
"It feels terrible, because how can we watch everything, and keep our eyes out here, as to who fills up and who doesn't fill up," said Fekieh.
"It's not fair to us, why should we be held accountable for something they do," Fekieh said.
Conwell said his proposal is now heading to the Cleveland finance committee next week.
Conwell said he's hoping the legislation will be ready for a vote by Cleveland city council before the end of the year.
