Corky lives in California. California law mandates that compressed air and water be available free of charge to customers who purchase fuel.

I wouldn't be surprised if other states have similar legislation.

Not anywhere in the southeast. Seems like an odd law.

Can they yank the hose out of your hands if you don’t buy something? What about EV’s? Are there free air pumps at charging stations? Is the water potable? Who answers that toll free number? Do you suppose they enjoy their work?

They give you a token or a code to activate the air compressor; I have always been provided with either the token or the code when I asked for it, whether I purchased gas or not; complaints, when appropriate, may be filed using an online form. The water is fit for topping off your radiator; drink it at your own peril. In the few times that I have charged my EV since I got it a few weeks ago, the chargers were located in supermarket or shopping mall parking lots, not at "service stations," so they had no air pumps.

For what it is worth, I have never, ever been charged for fancy ice cubes, but then, except for happy hour, I can't remember the last time that I saw a mixed drink or a cocktail listed on a menu for less than $10.

Edited to add: The results of a quick Google search show that Connecticut and New York have similar laws.

I buy my tires at Americas Tire ...get air checked & put in my tires for free.

And I got mine at Pep Boys, who will do the same. But it’s a long drive with that yellow light staring me in the face. The $1.75 pump at the Mobil station is much closer. They probably also have expensive giant ice cubes too.

yeah but I bed you have to put the air in yourself. That's not going to happen with me.
And I actually have a 6 cube 2" mold and 2 big round sphere molds. Somehow it isn't that hard to fill them with water. I still can't get over those Erewhon ice cubes for $32.

QT gas stations around ATL have free air.... when the machine actually works.

I have an air compressor in my garage which I use for a multitude of different things including adding air to tires. :)

However, I have had MANY instances out on the road where I couldn't find air, especially in California.

At any rate, this has nothing to do with dining or ice cubes. :D

To bring this back on topic, I like ice and I dislike paying $1. Y’all know where the like button is ;-)

The place we are eating at tomorrow night has large cubes. And they’re free. They also have Jamesons on tap.

You should get a portable compressor, they plug into the charger port in your car. Mine's always in the trunk!

If I knew I'd be charged for an ice cube, I'd walk out. If I didn't find out until the bill, I'd also tell the manager or bartender that I'm never returning. I realize no one cares if I come back or not but hopefully they hear it from enough people to reconsider. The last thing we need is for this to be the next stupid trend.

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Jameson, $5 happy hour, gentlemen’s cube, no charge.

What’s the $15.99 poppy bowl?

Mashed potato, peas and carrots, pot roast and gravy on the side. Mrs BV’s favorite comfort food.

Never heard that term before. Probably against the law in California :D