Government

California cities continue crackdown on self-checkout

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June 10, 2026

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Officials in Anaheim, California, are considering new regulations for self-checkout kiosks at grocery stores and retail pharmacies, according to a Voice of OC report, joining several other Orange County cities that have adopted similar measures.

The proposed ordinance would establish staffing requirements, transaction limits and operational restrictions for self-service checkout lanes. City leaders said the proposal is intended to address concerns about worker safety, retail theft, customer service and employment levels as self-checkout technology becomes more common.

Under the proposal, stores would be required to maintain a ratio of at least one employee for every four self-checkout kiosks and limit self-checkout transactions to 15 items or fewer. The ordinance would also require at least one traditional cashier-operated register to be open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Similar regulations have already been adopted in nearby cities including Long Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.

Supporters, including the United Food and Commercial Workers union, argue that additional staffing would improve customer service and provide workers with needed support while helping deter theft.

Grocery industry representatives oppose the measure, claiming existing self-checkout technology already includes theft-prevention safeguards and warning that additional staffing requirements could increase operating costs and ultimately raise prices for consumers. If approved, stores that fail to comply could face penalties and potential legal action after a cure period.