New California bill could force stores to close self-checkout NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

California lawmakers are considering a new bill that could force stores to close self-checkout lanes.

Senate Bill 1446 would prohibit grocery stores or retail drug stores from offering self-checkout options unless all of the following conditions are met:

• Checkouts are limited to 10 items or less
• At least one manual staffed checkout station is available
• Customers are prohibited from purchasing certain items
• An employee can only monitor up to two self-service stations
• Employee is relieved from all other duties while monitoring

It also requires stores that employ artificial intelligence to complete an assessment before implementing the technology.

“This act will protect workers and the public by ensuring safe staffing levels at grocery and drug stores and regulating self-checkout machines in a way that’s being smart on crime,” said Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles.

Letizia Costa, who manages multiple self-checkouts at a Lucky’s in Pinole, supports the bill.

“I have also observed customers who just walk through the self-checkout area when there are no workers and they just walk out with their items,” Costa said.

…