Drive off's, contrary to what some are saying, do not get paid for by the cashier but by the business. When they are only making about 1p per litre on the stuff, it take a lot of fuel sales to recover any stolen fuel value.
I have Shell/BP company petrol cards and when using those stations and have been asked to remove lid I have asked the cashiers why. They have ALL replied that as its their responsibility to check number plates they are also responsible for the fuel loss. Unfair but true.
So why do you keep your lid covering your numberplate?
I have been asked to remove my helmet at Morrisons in Cheltenham years ago (after years of filling up donning a lid) - so now when I fill up there, I remove gloves, helmet etc in my time. Once filled and when paying, the helmet goes on the counter, with the gloves, causing all kinds of mayhem to the sweeties etc displayed there. When I have paid I will put it all back on IN MY TIME. I have had cars attempt to pull into the pump and the drivers get arsey because it takes time, whilst I'm still on the first ear plug - DILLIGAF!!!
Modern technology takes pictures of the numberplates and we all wear distinctive clothing (Helmet colours/Jacket patterns etc etc) so there is no reason behind refusing to turn a pump on.
I now have a flip lid, primarily to put an end to the hassle. I pull up, bike on stand, flip lid up - no problem. And I go into shops like it (well, I leave the Fazer outside!)