In that same year many of the locations also began selling gasoline.
"The company didn't view the Met broadcasts as a means to sell gasoline," he said.
Around that same time, the chain began selling gasoline in front of their stores.
Most now sell gasoline, as is common with modern convenience stores.
Most of the stores also have gasoline sold on the premises.
Beginning in 1999, new larger stores were opened with more of an emphasis on selling gasoline.
If the fuel cannot be developed, he said, "you are absolutely prohibited from selling gasoline in those areas."
Many stations, the survey also found, are selling regular gasoline below $1.80.
No state taxes would be collected under the deal, but five of the tribes agreed not to sell gasoline at all.
In 1999, the Safeway chain started to also sell gasoline at some of its new stores.