He now works in a Columbia all-night convenience store. Williams said he believes two workers would have made a difference. Two cuts down the chances of something happening. Although representatives of all-night convenience stores agree to many of the bill's provisions, including more lighting and making a phone away from the register accessible, stores contend that having two clerks on duty at all times will not necessarily deter crime. They say there is no conclusive evidence two workers on the job would help stop robberies or violent crime.
Good data has yet to be determined.
The association cited FBI data showing crime dramatically dropping. In fact, robberies nationwide are down 6.2 percent from 1993, according to FBI statistics and convenience stores make up only 5.2 percent of all robberies in the nation. In a prepared statement, the association attributed this decline to employee training in crime prevention. The bill's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Phil Smith , said he thought convenience stores were hesitant to place two clerks on duty because of increased costs. The bill passed committee after being watered-down.