Retail

California city's self-checkout law prompts retailers to close lanes

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August 26, 2026

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A Long Beach, California, ordinance tying self-checkout operations to staffing levels has prompted most affected retailers surveyed by the city to shut down their self-checkout lanes, according to a U.S. Sun report. The law, adopted in September 2025, requires stores to provide at least one employee to supervise every three operating self-checkout stations as part of an effort to reduce theft and ensure adequate staffing.

A city survey of general managers and corporate representatives at 13 affected retailers found that 10 had completely closed their self-checkout lanes. The remaining businesses reported significantly limiting self-checkout availability. Although respondents acknowledged that the ordinance increased staffing, some said its operating requirements could influence decisions about opening or expanding stores in Long Beach.

The ordinance also imposes restrictions beyond staffing requirements. Customers are limited to 15 items per self-checkout transaction, with individually counted produce and bottle-deposit charges included in that total, and certain locked or secured merchandise cannot be purchased through self-checkout. Retailers responding to the survey cited the complexity of the requirements as another factor affecting their use of the technology.