I'm glad to hear so many stories about this, I had to fill up for the first time the other day and I did not know the correct manor.
At the time I removed my helmet and paid in store, think I'll settle for the paying at pump option form now on.
Here in Oregon, we don't have to remove our lids, In fact we don't even have to pump our own fuel! It is rather frustrating though when the kid won't bend the rules a little to let you fuel your own ride. I don't want some cranked out freak spraying gas all over my paint.... As far as helmets in business' go. Do they think the robber is gonna take off the lid after they ask? Umm, how bout, NO! If they can't see you, they can't see you. I have never been asked to take off my helmet. I pretty sure I wouldn't if asked to.