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Did you know that it's actually illegal for petrol stations to advertise the goods they sell?

Apropos your recent article on signposting prices and brands of petrol on the motorway, did you know there is actually a law against declaring what is being sold at petrol stations? This old law goes back some considerable time, but it is typical of something that the Government cannot be bothered to do anything about. I have already complained about it to Oliver Letwin my MP. I do agree with you that in France it is very useful to know what type of fuel is available, where and at what price.

Asked on 28 April 2012 by HG, via email

Answered by Honest John
Completely ludicrous that Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Waitrose, M&S, MacDonalds and Kentucky Fried can be advertised, but the make of fuel being sold and the price of it can't be. Reads like something the EC thought up but even they would not be so stupid.
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