Gas line tapped before the shut off valve

Anyone have an idea the purpose of this??
It appears that it is an additional tap on the gas line. Installed before the main shut off below the meter.
I've inspected several houses in this development over the years, first time I've come across this.

That looks like it has been tapped directly into the locking shut-off valve body.

Never seen that, I'd call it out for correction (new shut-off).

Dom.

That's the inlet side of the meter. I can see the gas is off and locked. I believe that's a pressure test cock. But as Dom said might recommend it be checked when they turn on the gas. I doubt they will remove it....

Thanks.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 12/19/2016 12:56 PM EST

Yes gas was locked off. I did recommend that a licensed plumber or gas company should check it out. Someday someone is going to decide to hook the grill up to that for free gas.