ThayerAvenue.com

I know that the arcane liquor laws imposed by the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control have made it difficult for smaller establishments to open and serve alcohol. Rumor has it that’s why many of the places in the downtown area are larger chains: they have the legal infrastructure to navigate such obstacles. Whether or not that’s actually true, I’m not sure, but it seems to make sense. Then we get to the other places of business that don’t serve alcohol…

Enter: Our venerable Jeebus Chevron. While I’ve derided its political leanings in the past, I have to say I owe the Chevron station (on Georgia, just south of the beltway) and its staff a debt of gratitude. I had a state car inspection issue (concerning taillights) that had to be resolved quickly. The Shell station across the street wanted me to make an appointment for early the next morning and wait in line for a matter that could be fixed in five minutes. I went to the Chevron station, and they came out, walked around the car, and after a few minutes I had signed paperwork and was on my way. Great service.

But advertising that Montgomery County is bad for business? Is it a political ploy given the heavy left-leaning Council or a legitimate gripe? Both are certainly possible. Ask any developer what a pain in the ass it is to get projects approved (leaving aside problems that organizations like my venerable ESSCA cause) and you may get some similar complaints.

Also, a couple of weeks ago a veil of secrecy was put over the sign (Shroud of Petrol?) with an accompanying message saying “Boycotting BP Stations Just Hurts Local Businesses.” Is this a precursor to a change in affiliation for the gas station? I agree with the sentiment of the message, but what a timing snafu for the shift if that was the case.

In Other News…
The new toy store on Fenton Street has a great selection of video games and other miscellaneous toys, but my daughter and I were both thoroughly creeped out by the Kookys.

Caveat emptor, indeed.

I decided that some of the signs at the Beltway Chevron on Georgia Avenue had to be recorded for public consumption. Back in the 2004 Presidential Campaign, it looked like some sort of neoconservative carnival. Now it’s just passing amusement as I honk at people that insist on turning illegally across traffic during rush hour. I plan on capturing as many as possible to share with everyone. Enjoy!