MAJOR grocery stores would be forced to bring in a sweeping set of self-checkout restrictions if a bill currently being discussed becomes law.
If the plans become a reality, then it would transform how shoppers would use the self-checkout machines.
Stores could be forced to change up their policies when it comes to self-checkouts (stock)AlamyRetailers would be forced to follow the precedent set by the likes of Target by imposing limit policies, as reported by the Courthouse News Service.
The bill calls for shoppers to have a maximum of 15 items in order to be able to use the self-checkout stations.
Retailers would have to put signage up inside stores, informing customers of the policy.
Chains would be banned from having self-checkouts if there isn’t a traditional register for customers who don’t want to use a machine.
Shoppers would also have to follow a strict set of rules.
A proposal is to ban customers from scanning age-restricted items at the self-checkout.
This means products such as alcohol could be off-limits.
The bill has been crafted by Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Democratic state senator in California.
The potential legislation is working its way through the California Assembly.
Plans will be scrutinized by the Appropriations Committee – a group responsible for allocating funding.
If it passes the Appropriation Committee, then it will be voted on by the state senate and assembly.
It is still a long way from Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk.
Similar proposals have been touted by other lawmakers across the country.
In Washington, local lawmakers proposed a set of restrictions that would impact self-checkout users.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
Limit policies were among the ideas touted, and one of the motives behind the proposal was to assist workers.
Workers told the radio station KIRO that they often had to manage several machines single handedly.
“I often manage six to 12 machines alone … I am alone, juggling what should be multiple positions,” James Reed, a grocery store worker, said.
The U.S. Sun reported how lawmakers in Rhode Island were considering similar measures.
Last year, Target bosses rolled out a measure, limiting self-checkout users to a maximum of 10 items.
The policy proved controversial, with some disgruntled shoppers warning they would boycott the retailer as a result.
Certain Walmart stores have imposed a policy limiting self-checkout users to a maximum of 15 items, but this hasn’t been rolled out across the board.
Last year, Schnucks bosses rolled out a measure limiting shoppers to a maximum of 10 items, but this proved controversial.
Bosses relaxed the threshold to 15 after shoppers reacted furiously.
Shoppers would be banned from scanning certain items at the self-service machines (stock)Alamy Read More Details
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