News

S.F. may ban booze at self-checkout lanes

September 27, 2011

Buying alcohol in San Francisco grocery stores may soon be only done via human transactions.

Supervisor Eric Mar introduced legislation Tuesday that would ban the sale of alcohol at self-checkout lanes. According to theSan Francisco Examiner, Mar's legislation is similar to a state bill introduced by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma that is currently sitting on Gov. Jerry Brown's desk. He has until Oct. 8 to sign or veto it.

If Ma's legislation becomes law, Mar's would be unnecessary.

From the story:

"This ordinance is a common-sense measure that requires anyone who tries to purchase alcohol to buy through a face-to-face transaction with a cashier," Mar said. "It's a simple step which is already required of tobacco, spray paint and some cold medicines."

In a recent statement, the California Grocers Association denounced the state bill as an attack on nonunion retailers and "stores that use self-checkout have solid protections in place to prevent minors from attempting to purchase alcohol," which includes the approval of a clerk before booze purchases go through.

But Mar maintains that the law is designed to make it harder for minors and intoxicated persons to get alcohol.

If passed by the Board of Supervisors, the law would only affect future self-checkout kiosks.

Read more about self-checkout systems.