US EditionCalifornia Grocery Stores Push to Legalize Alcohol Sales at Self-Checkout Stations
Senate Bill 442 would require staffing at self-checkout and expand alcohol sale restrictions, aiming to improve worker conditions amid concerns over higher grocery prices, labor groups say.
- Grocers across California are urging lawmakers to legalize alcohol sales at self-checkout stations despite an 11-year-old state ban.
- This push follows longstanding opposition by labor groups and a failed 2024 union-backed effort to more strictly regulate self-checkout machines.
- Senate Bill 442, authored by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, aims to require dedicated staffing, signage, and item limits at self-checkouts while expanding bans on items needing ID.
- The bill passed the Senate 26-10 earlier this summer but faces criticism for increasing costs that critics say will raise grocery prices and complicate store management.
- Before the bill can proceed to a vote on the floor, it needs to receive approval from the Assembly Appropriations Committee once lawmakers reconvene on August 18, while the governor’s office has declined to take a position on SB 442.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Self-payment machines, which emerged more than four decades ago and became popular during the pandemic, could have the days counted in stores like Walmart and Kroger. The reason is an increase in thefts and the recent proposal for new legislation that seeks to regulate their use.What the bill says to eliminate auto-copper machinesVarious states of the U.S. seek to implement a new bill to limit the presence of self-payment boxes in retail stores.…
Could California begin allowing alcohol at self-checkout?
(KRON) -- A new bill could block stores from using self-checkout unless they follow new rules, including having enough staff, having clear signage, and limiting what you can buy. Alcohol could also be a factor.Senate Bill 442 (SB 442), introduced by State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-CA), is designed to improve working conditions for store employees. But grocery stores say these rules could drive up their costs — and that could mean higher pric…
Cal Matters
California grocery prices could rise if this self-checkout bill passes, grocers argue
In summary Labor unions are trying once again to regulate self-checkout lanes at California stores. This year’s bill waters down a version that died last session, but businesses still warn it will increase costs and lead to consumer frustration. It’s been a long day at work, and you still need to stop by the store on your way home. To spare yourself more social interaction, you make a beeline for the self-checkout station, praying for a quick a…
Proposed law aims to improve self-checkout efficiency - The Sacramento Observer
By Maya C. Miller | CalMatters It’s been a long day at work, and you still need to stop by the store on your way home. To spare yourself more social interaction, you make a beeline for the self-checkout station, praying for a quick and painless transaction. “Please wait, help is on the way,” the machine’s feminine voice coos, taunting you as you try desperately to flag down a clerk. Following a failed, union-backed effort last year to strictly …
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