Long Beach, California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Long Beach, California, will enforce the ‘Safe Stores are Staffed Stores’ ordinance on September 21, 2025. This law mandates grocery and drug stores to staff self-checkout stations to tackle retail theft and improve customer service. For every three self-checkout stations, one employee must supervise. The ordinance limits self-checkout transactions to 15 items and requires employee verification for age-restricted purchases. Despite its potential benefits, some retailers voice concerns over increased operational costs and the effectiveness of the measure to reduce theft.
Long Beach, California will officially implement a new ordinance titled “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” starting on September 21, 2025. This groundbreaking measure mandates that grocery and drug stores supervise their self-checkout stations with dedicated staff. The ordinance aims to tackle rising retail theft while simultaneously enhancing customer service.
Under the new rules, for every three self-checkout stations in operation, at least one employee must be on-site to supervise customers. This personnel requirement is mandatory during operational hours. Additionally, a traditional staffed checkout lane must remain open whenever self-checkout stations are utilized, ensuring that customers have access to human assistance if needed. The ordinance restricts self-checkout purchases to a maximum of 15 items per transaction and prohibits the sale of age-restricted items, such as alcohol and tobacco, through self-checkout without an employee’s verification.
The initiative was triggered by a concerning 16% increase in petty theft incidents reported in Long Beach between 2023 and 2024. Major retailers like Walmart and Target will have to adjust their self-checkout procedures to comply with these new staffing regulations, making this ordinance significant for both local shoppers and prominent businesses operating in the area.
While proponents of the ordinance argue that it will enhance customer service and help reduce theft, there are critics who express concerns about the potential increase in operational costs and question its overall effectiveness in curbing retail crime. Additionally, retailers that fail to comply with the staffing requirements face potential fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
This ordinance specifically targets stores larger than 15,000 square feet that primarily sell groceries, as well as stores exceeding 85,000 square feet with at least 10% of their sales floor dedicated to food. Proponents of the ordinance include grocery workers, union representatives, and various political figures, while business groups have voiced opposition due to the financial burdens the requirements may impose.
The Long Beach City Council initially voted 5-2 in favor of drafting the ordinance, although some council members have raised concerns regarding the evidence supporting the ordinance’s effectiveness in reducing crime. This measure is set to be a pioneering example of regulating self-checkout operations in retail settings, and local retailers are expected to closely monitor how it unfolds.
Key Features of the Ordinance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Ordinance Name | Safe Stores are Staffed Stores |
| Staffing Requirement | 1 staff member per 3 self-checkout stations |
| Item Limit | Maximum of 15 items per self-checkout transaction |
| Age-Restricted Sales | Must have employee authorization for alcohol/tobacco |
| Compliance Violations | Fines of up to $2,500 per hour for non-compliance |
| Store Size Requirement | Over 15,000 square feet for grocery and drug stores |
FAQs
What is the purpose of the ordinance?
The ordinance aims to combat retail theft and improve customer service within grocery and drug stores by requiring supervised self-checkout stations.
When will the ordinance be implemented?
The ordinance will come into effect on September 21, 2025.
What are the staffing requirements?
Stores must have one employee supervising for every three self-checkout stations in use.
Are there limits on the number of items at self-checkout?
Yes, there is a limit of 15 items per transaction at self-checkout stations.
What happens if a store does not comply with the ordinance?
Stores that fail to meet the staffing requirements could face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
Who will the ordinance affect?
It applies to grocery and drug stores larger than 15,000 square feet and those over 85,000 square feet that dedicate at least 10% of their floor space to food.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Retail Insight Network
- Long Beach Post
- JD Supra
- The Sun
- National Law Review
- Wikipedia: Self-checkout
- Google Search: Long Beach self-checkout ordinance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Self-service
- Google News: Long Beach self-checkout regulations
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
