This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a fluid. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for remotely controlling the flow of an effluent fluid stream from a dispensing hose of a fluid dispenser. An actuator controls at least one valve assembly of the fluid dispenser and comprises a generator located remotely of the at least one valve assembly, for generating a low-pressure signal, and at least one receiver in fluid communication with the generator for receiving the low pressure signal of each receiver operably associated with each valve assembly. The actuator also facilitates the simultaneous, sequential and alternate control of the at least one valve assembly.