Long Beach, California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Long Beach, California, is set to introduce a new ordinance on September 21, 2025, mandating grocery and drug stores to staff self-checkout stations. Named the ‘Safe Stores are Staffed Stores’ ordinance, this initiative aims to reduce retail theft, which has risen by 16% between 2023 and 2024. Retailers must ensure that for every three self-checkout stations, one employee is present. Additional regulations include keeping one traditional checkout lane open and limiting self-checkout transactions to 15 items. The ordinance is a response to growing concerns about automated checkout systems and aims to enhance customer service and accountability.
Long Beach, California, will implement a new ordinance on September 21, 2025, requiring grocery and drug stores to provide dedicated staff to supervise self-checkout stations. The ordinance, dubbed the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,” aims to tackle rising retail theft and enhance customer service.
Under this new regulation, for every three self-checkout stations, at least one employee must be present to monitor operations during store hours. Additionally, grocery stores will be obligated to keep at least one traditional staffed checkout lane open whenever self-checkout systems are being used. This requirement is a direct response to a reported 16% increase in petty theft in Long Beach between 2023 and 2024.
Self-checkout transactions will also face new restrictions: customers will be limited to a maximum of 15 items per transaction, and items requiring age verification, such as alcohol and tobacco, or those equipped with anti-theft security tags, must be processed with employee approval. The initiative is seen as a way to balance automation in retail with necessary human oversight.
Major retail chains, including Walmart and Target, will need to adapt their self-checkout operations to comply with these new staffing mandates. The ordinance stipulates that compliance violations could result in fines of up to $2,500 for each hour a store fails to meet the staffing requirements.
The ordinance specifically targets large retail establishments, applying to stores exceeding 15,000 square feet that primarily sell groceries and those larger than 85,000 square feet, provided at least 10% of their sales floor is dedicated to food items. As a result, many businesses will have to rethink their self-checkout processes to align with these new regulations.
Supporters of the ordinance, including grocery workers and union representatives, advocate for the changes, believing that regular supervision can significantly enhance customer service and reduce theft. However, critics concern about the potential financial burden this initiative may impose on businesses and question its effectiveness in genuinely decreasing theft rates.
In a recent vote, the Long Beach City Council demonstrated mixed sentiments, initially endorsing the ordinance with a 5-2 vote in favor of drafting it. Some council members expressed reservations regarding the validity of the evidence supporting the efficacy of the ordinance in reducing criminal activity. As the first such legislation in the country, this ordinance is expected to serve as a case study for other jurisdictions looking to balance the advantages of technological advancements with necessary human oversight in retail environments.
The upcoming changes in Long Beach reflect significant shifts within the retail sector as stores adapt to rising challenges in theft while striving to maintain a high level of customer service.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance?
The ordinance aims to combat retail theft and improve customer service by ensuring self-checkout stations are supervised by staff.
When will the new regulations take effect?
The new regulations will come into force on September 21, 2025.
What are the key requirements for retail stores under this ordinance?
For every three self-checkout stations, at least one employee must supervise them. Additionally, a traditional staffed checkout lane must remain open, and self-checkout purchases are limited to 15 items.
Who will be affected by this ordinance?
The ordinance will apply to grocery and drug stores larger than 15,000 square feet and supermarkets with over 85,000 square feet that dedicate at least 10% of their sales floor to food.
What are the consequences of not complying with the ordinance?
Retailers that do not comply with the staffing requirements may face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour they fail to meet the standards.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordinance Name | Safe Stores are Staffed Stores |
| Implementation Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Staffing Requirement | 1 employee for every 3 self-checkout stations |
| Open Checkout Lane | At least 1 traditional staffed lane must remain operational |
| Item Limit | Maximum of 15 items per transaction |
| Age Verification Items | Must be processed with employee authorization |
| Compliance Fines | Up to $2,500 per hour for violations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Retail Insight Network
- Long Beach Post
- JD Supra
- National Law Review
- KTLA
- Wikipedia: Self-checkout
- Google Search: Long Beach retail theft
- Google Scholar: retail theft California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: retail management
- Google News: Long Beach self-checkout
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange 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 major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
