No codes from autozone

[fuzzypuppy]

After the wife's car threw a code today I went to Autozone to have it read, guess what, Autozone informed me that they are no longer allowed to read codes, this is in California.
I was told that the "BAR" (bureau of automotive repair) lobbied the state and slipped a law in, if you buy a code reader it cannot be returned if opened according to the autozone manager.
Great I took the car to AAMCO because they adveratize "free code reads", this half wit I wouldn't trust with a pogo stick tells me I have to make an appointment and it'll take them 2 hr's to run a diagnose it, I was outta there before he finished trying to tell me I need to leave the car with them.
Has anyone else experienced this??
I have yet to research this but if true auto shop's in general have just earned an enemy, without fail every shop I have ever had to use "due to illness I couldn't do the work myself" has screwed, tried to screw, or screwed up my vehicle in some way, not one family member or friend has a good shop, "they usually come to me".
Though I can'not really afford it I will buy the code reader, it's either that or deal with a sleazy crook like I just dealt with at AAMCO, 2 hr's to read a code, puuuulease.
The automotive repair industry has made a bad enough name for it'self already now this, I worked in the industry myself for several years and know the games.
This is just a damn shame.

[maxwedge]

It sure is, here in NYS I scan and give or do basic diagnostics for 39.95. No in depth diagnostics just suggestions and code breakdowns. AZ does give the codes here for free.