SUPERMARKETS are pushing back against a contentious law regulating the use of self checkout.
Grocery stores across California are fighting to allow customers to buy alcohol at these kiosks.
California is currently the only state in the nation that doesn’t allow alcohol of any kind to be bought at self checkout[/caption]
The law that banned the sale of alcohol at self checkout in California was signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown more than a decade ago[/caption]
California is currently the only state in the nation that doesn’t allow alcohol of any kind to be bought at self checkout.
State lawmakers are now trying to push through a bill that would ban shops from having these checkouts unless they meet certain requirements.
This would include staffing levels and item limits.
Advocates in the State Senate argue the bill is needed to stop supermarkets using these kiosks to replace public-facing staff.
But Daniel Conway of the California Grocers Association told broadcaster KCRA 3: “This bill will have the effect of making grocery prices more expensive and the in-store shopping experience less convenient.”
The bill would affect supermarkets from the giants like Walmart and Target to smaller stores throughout the state.
It is set to have a hearing when lawmakers return later in the month.
But grocers are pushing for a revision of the laws that ban the purchase of alcohol at self checkout.
Conway said: “The biggest criticism we hear from our customers about the self checkout experience is that they can’t buy alcohol there.
“For us, we see this as an opportunity that if the union really wants to regulate how we staff our self checkout lanes, then give us the ability to satisfy our customers and offset the additional costs rather than passing it on to consumers.”
The law that banned the sale of alcohol at self checkout in California was signed into law by former Governor Jerry Brown more than a decade ago.
While supermarkets are pushing for this restriction to be loosened to offset new regulations, some lawmakers have dismissed the idea.
State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas said: “Alcohol has been prohibited in self checkout for over a decade.
“My message is clear. Allowing alcohol through self checkout poses significant risks to our communities, particularly to young people.
“Proposals to permit alcohol sales through the self checkout machines are a dangerous step back for the State of California.”
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma told KCRA 3: “It is clear that is working as intended.
“There are no ground for repealing it as part of last minute deal making in Sacramento.”
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
