Long Beach, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Long Beach will introduce a new ordinance mandating dedicated staffing for self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores by September 2025. Known as ‘Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,’ the initiative aims to curb a 16% rise in petty theft. For every three self-checkout stations, one employee must monitor the area. Additionally, there are limits on the number of items allowed per self-checkout transaction, and certain age-restricted items must be verified by staff. Major retailers will need to adapt to these regulations to avoid hefty fines for non-compliance.
Long Beach, California, will implement a new ordinance on September 21, 2025, aimed at enhancing the supervision of self-checkout stations in grocery and drug stores. Named “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores,” the ordinance mandates that for every three self-checkout stations in operation, at least one dedicated employee must be assigned to monitor the area. This initiative is a response to a reported 16% increase in petty theft in Long Beach between 2023 and 2024, highlighting increasing concerns over retail theft.
The new regulations come as part of an effort to improve customer service while addressing the growing issue of theft. Each store must ensure that a traditional staffed checkout lane remains open whenever self-checkout stations are active. Additionally, self-checkout purchases will be capped at a maximum of 15 items per transaction. Purchases that require age verification, such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as items with anti-theft tags, must be processed through a staffed checkout, which can only occur with employee authorization.
Major retailers operating in Long Beach, including Walmart and Target, will need to adjust their self-checkout processes to align with these requirements. Compliance is crucial, as violations could result in fines of up to $2,500 for each hour a store fails to meet the staffing requirements established by the ordinance. The ordinance applies specifically to larger stores, defined as those over 15,000 square feet that primarily sell groceries and those over 85,000 square feet with at least 10% of sales floor dedicated to food items.
The ordinance’s support comes from various stakeholders, including grocery workers, union representatives, and local political leaders, who believe that improved staff presence at self-checkout stations will enhance customer experiences and reduce theft incidents. However, some critics, including business groups, express apprehensions regarding the potential financial burden the ordinance may impose and question its effectiveness in actually reducing theft.
In deliberations, the Long Beach City Council initially voted 5-2 in favor of drafting this ordinance. Some council members raised concerns regarding the lack of concrete evidence supporting the ordinance’s potential impact on crime rates. Still, the initiative represents a pioneering step toward regulating self-checkout operations within retail environments, which could influence how other cities approach similar challenges of balancing automation with human oversight.
As retailers adapt to these new rules, Long Beach’s approach might serve as a case study for other regions looking to implement similar measures to combat retail theft while also addressing changes in customer service expectations.
FAQ
What is the “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance?
The ordinance requires grocery and drug stores in Long Beach to supervise self-checkout stations with dedicated staff starting September 21, 2025.
How many self-checkout stations must be supervised?
For every three self-checkout stations in use, at least one employee must be assigned to supervise them during operational hours.
What are the restrictions on self-checkout transactions?
Self-checkout purchases will be limited to a maximum of 15 items per transaction, and certain age-restricted items must not be processed through self-checkout without employee authorization.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Stores that fail to meet the staffing requirements could face fines of up to $2,500 for each hour of non-compliance.
Who supports the ordinance?
Supporters include grocery workers, union representatives, and various political figures in Long Beach, while critics highlight the financial burden it poses on retailers.
Key Features of the Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Supervision Requirement | One employee for every three self-checkout stations |
| Maximum Items | 15 items per self-checkout transaction |
| Traditional Checkout Requirement | At least one staffed lane must be open when self-checkouts are used |
| Penalties for Non-compliance | Fines up to $2,500 per hour |
| Applies To | Stores larger than 15,000 sq. ft. selling mostly groceries |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
