(a) The governing authority of each county and municipal corporation is authorized to license the operation of self-service motor fuel dispensing pumps and to charge a fee for each license. If the governing authority determines that the operation of self-service motor fuel dispensing pumps will not be injurious to the health or welfare of the residents of the political jurisdiction affected, it shall grant a license to any applicant not otherwise disqualified by law who makes application on a form prescribed by the governing authority. The license shall be effective from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to operate a self-service motor fuel dispensing pump unless an attendant is present at the pump's location and such person, firm, or corporation has obtained a valid license from the governing authority of the political jurisdiction affected. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) This Code section shall not apply to motor fuel dispensing units which are not open to the public.