Government

California city to regulate self-checkouts

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February 3, 2026

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City leaders in Costa Mesa, California., have approved a new ordinance regulating self-checkout lanes at grocery stores and drug stores, a move that will likely increase staffing at automated checkout areas. Modeled after a similar program in Long Beach, the rules require self-checkout lanes to be supervised by employees and limit usage to customers purchasing 15 items or fewer, with the stated goal of reducing retail theft and improving safety for workers and shoppers.

Under the ordinance, according to the publication Voice of Orange County, stores must maintain at least one staff member for every three self-checkout booths or risk legal action. The rules apply to fewer than a dozen stores in the city, including Target, CVS, Von, and Northgate Market locations, covering a total of 57 self-checkout stands. City officials argued that regulating staffing levels at self-service checkouts would help address theft, unsafe working conditions, and public safety concerns.

Despite opponents' concerns that the measure could lead to higher prices, the ordinance passed by a 3–2 vote. Supporters on the city council framed the measure as a pro-worker policy, while dissenting council members and the mayor questioned whether municipal regulation of self-checkout was appropriate, especially as state lawmakers consider broader action on the issue.