What exactly does this mean? 
This has bugged me for a while now. I see this sign on the gas pump every time I gas up at Sheetz. As I wait for my tank to fill, I can’t help but contemplate its meaning.
I think it’s safe assume that it isn’t illegal for someone younger than 16 to operate the pump. I would think that if something is actually illegal, the word “illegal” would be used on the surrounding signs. Hopefully the word “illegal” would be used over other meaningless terms such as “unlawful.”
Is this the opinion of the company? Is this their way of saying that they’d prefer if individuals under the age of 16 not operate their equipment? You’d think that if this was the case, then the sign would say “Persons under the age of 16 are prohibited from operating this fuel dispensing equipment.” While we’re on the subject, what is with the word “persons?” While it may be a proper word, it just sounds arrogant to me. Anyhoo…
My best guess with this sign is that Sheetz wanted to say something to simply discourage those under 16 from using their gear. They probably didn’t want to commit to actually banning people, though. There are states that issue licenses to 15 year olds and I’m guessing that the Sheetz legal department knows that.
In the end, this sign does little more than express an opinion. It’s pretty much the same as stating that “Persons under the age of 16 should calm down with the Axe body spray!”
