Long Beach, California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Starting September 21, 2025, Long Beach will require dedicated staff at self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores as part of the new ‘Safe Stores are Staffed Stores’ ordinance. This initiative aims to improve customer service and combat a 16% rise in retail theft. For every three self-checkout stations, at least one employee must supervise, and a traditional checkout lane must remain open. Stores violating the ordinance may face fines of up to $2,500 for non-compliance, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing security and service in retail settings.
LONG BEACH, California – Beginning September 21, 2025, Long Beach will enforce a new ordinance requiring dedicated staff at self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores to combat retail theft. The initiative, known as the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores”, is designed to enhance customer service and reduce instances of theft.
The ordinance mandates that for every three self-checkout stations, at least one employee must be available to supervise during operational hours. Additionally, a traditional staffed checkout lane must remain open whenever self-checkout stations are in use. To further mitigate risks, self-checkout purchases will be limited to a maximum of 15 items per transaction, and items requiring age verification or equipped with anti-theft security tags must be processed through employee-operated checkouts only.
This legislative move comes in response to a reported 16% increase in petty theft incidents in Long Beach between 2023 and 2024. Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, will need to adjust their self-checkout practices to ensure compliance with the new staffing requirements. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $2,500 for each hour a store neglects to meet the staffing regulations.
The ordinance is applicable to any store larger than 15,000 square feet selling primarily groceries, as well as those over 85,000 square feet that have at least 10% of their sales floor dedicated to food. Supporting groups for the ordinance include grocery workers, union representatives, and various political figures. However, business organizations express concern regarding the financial implications of the new requirements, asserting that the additional operational expenses could outweigh potential benefits.
The Long Beach City Council initially endorsed the idea with a 5-2 vote in favor of drafting the ordinance. However, some council members raised questions about the evidence supporting the ordinance’s effectiveness in reducing crime, indicating ongoing debates about the practical outcomes of such regulations.
This law marks a significant milestone in regulating self-checkout procedures in retail settings, positioning Long Beach as a potential model for other cities grappling with similar theft concerns. As retailers carefully evaluate this approach, they will need to navigate the fine line between embracing automation and ensuring sufficient human oversight to maintain both efficiency and security in their stores.
Key Features of the Ordinance
- Effective Date: September 21, 2025
- Supervision Requirement: 1 staff member for every 3 self-checkout stations
- Transaction Limit: Maximum of 15 items per self-checkout purchase
- Age Verification: Items needing age verification cannot be processed through self-checkout without employee approval
- Fines: Up to $2,500 for compliance violations
- Store Size Requirements: Applies to stores larger than 15,000 square feet selling primarily groceries
- Council Vote: Initial 5-2 vote in favor
Context and Implications
The “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance is a response to rising retail theft rates that have impacted local businesses. The hope is that by requiring employee supervision at self-checkouts, businesses can minimize the risk of theft while enhancing the shopping experience for customers. As other cities observe Long Beach’s implementation of this ordinance, the efficacy and financial ramifications will be closely monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance?
It is an ordinance that mandates grocery and drug stores in Long Beach to employ staff at self-checkout stations to combat retail theft and improve customer service.
When will this ordinance take effect?
The ordinance will take effect on September 21, 2025.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Stores that fail to meet the staffing requirements may face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
What size stores does this ordinance apply to?
The ordinance applies to stores larger than 15,000 square feet that primarily sell groceries and stores over 85,000 square feet that have at least 10% of their sales area dedicated to food.
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