Long Beach, California has introduced a law limiting how many self-checkout registers major stores can install, aiming to combat shoplifters using the “five-finger discount”. The ‘Safe Stores are Staffed Stores’ ordinance requires major grocery and pharmacy chains to staff up at least one employee for every three self-checkout stations.
The rule also caps transactions at 15 items and bans the sale of locked-up goods, such as razors or baby formula. Fines start at $100 per employer, per day. While workers and unions praise the law, saying it will boost job growth and keep staffers safe, retailers argue that self-checkout regulations target the wrong solutions for retail theft.
Some stores have already shut down their self-checkout registers in response to the new law. Shoplifting has continued to rise, with 93% more incidents reported since 2019. Retailers have responded with increased security measures, but these often frustrate customers. Long Beach’s ordinance aims to provide safety and security for workers and customers, while also boosting profits.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/article-15188885/california-shoplift-law-self-checkout-long-beach.html