Santa Ana to consider regulating self-checkout in drug, retail stores
The Santa Ana City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would establish staffing and operational requirements for self-checkout systems in grocery and drug retail stores.
According to the staff report, the measure is intended to address concerns related to retail theft, employee workload, and access to staffed checkout options.
Under the proposal, stores that offer self-checkout would be required to follow several operational rules:
- Require at least one staffed checkout lane to be open whenever self-checkout stations are available
- Limit self-checkout transactions to 15 items or fewer
- Prohibit self-checkout purchases of items requiring identification, such as alcohol and tobacco, as well as items secured with anti-theft devices
- Require at least one employee to supervise self-checkout areas at all times
- Establish a staffing ratio of one employee for every three self-checkout stations in stores with multiple machines
- Require stores to post signage informing customers of the rules and their rights
- Require checkout areas to be arranged so they are clearly visible for monitoring and oversight
The ordinance also specifies that employees assigned to supervise self-checkout stations must not have other responsibilities that would interfere with their ability to monitor transactions.
City staff indicates that the proposal is part of a broader effort to respond to operational and safety considerations associated with the increased use of self-checkout technology. Similar ordinances have been adopted in other nearby jurisdictions, including Long Beach and Costa Mesa.
If adopted, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after approval. It would allow customers and employees to pursue enforcement through civil action, with financial penalties for violations that increase if issues are not corrected.
The City Council will consider the ordinance at its meeting scheduled Tuesday, May 5th at 5:30 PM.
The Santanero reached out to Target, Walmart and Ross and will update this article if and when a response is issued.
