Long Beach, California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Long Beach, California, will introduce a new ordinance requiring staffing at self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores starting September 21, 2025. This measure, known as “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,” is a response to a 16% rise in petty theft from 2023 to 2024. The ordinance mandates one employee for every three self-checkout stations and limits customers to 15 items per transaction. Major retailers like Walmart and Target will need to comply or face fines for non-compliance. Supporters believe this will improve customer service and reduce theft.
Long Beach, California will implement a new ordinance requiring staffing at self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores beginning September 21, 2025. This initiative, named “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,” aims to combat retail theft and enhance customer service in the wake of a reported 16% increase in petty theft between 2023 and 2024.
Under the new ordinance, stores must assign at least one employee to supervise every three self-checkout stations during operational hours. Additionally, a traditional staffed checkout lane must remain open whenever self-checkout stations are active. This is in response to rising concerns over theft that has plagued retailers in the region. The ordinance also limits self-checkout purchases to a maximum of 15 items per transaction and prohibits the processing of age-restricted items, such as alcohol and tobacco, through self-checkout without employee authorization.
Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, will need to alter their self-checkout operations to comply with these new staffing requirements. The regulations apply to grocery stores larger than 15,000 square feet and stores over 85,000 square feet if at least 10% of their sales floor is dedicated to food. Stores that violate these staffing requirements could face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
Supporters of the ordinance include grocery workers, union representatives, and various political figures, all of whom argue that increased staffing will enhance customer service and help reduce theft. However, there are concerns from business groups regarding the financial burden that the ordinance may impose on retailers. Critics express skepticism about the effectiveness of the new rules in actually decreasing crime rates.
The Long Beach City Council initially voted 5-2 to draft the ordinance, highlighting a significant shift towards regulating self-checkout operations in retail environments. Some council members have raised concerns about the evidence underpinning the ordinance, questioning its anticipated impact on theft reduction.
Long Beach’s approach may serve as a case study for other cities balancing automation in retail with the need for human oversight. As retailers begin to navigate these new regulations, the ordinance marks a pioneering step that could influence future policies regarding self-service technologies in the retail sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance?
The purpose of the ordinance is to combat retail theft and enhance customer service by requiring dedicated staff to supervise self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores.
When will the ordinance take effect?
The ordinance will take effect on September 21, 2025.
What are the staffing requirements under this ordinance?
Stores are required to assign at least one employee to supervise every three self-checkout stations, ensuring staff presence during operational hours.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Stores that fail to meet staffing requirements can face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
Which types of stores does the ordinance apply to?
The ordinance applies to grocery stores larger than 15,000 square feet and to stores over 85,000 square feet if at least 10% of their sales floor is dedicated to food.
Key Features of the Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Ordinance Name | “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” |
| Staffing Requirement | At least one employee per three self-checkout stations |
| Checkout Limit | Maximum of 15 items per self-checkout transaction |
| Age-Restricted Items | Cannot be processed without employee authorization |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines up to $2,500 per hour |
| Applicable Store Size | Stores over 15,000 square feet for groceries & 85,000 square feet for mixed-use |
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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
