CA city adopts grocery self-checkout law with $1K-per-day fines

In a move aimed at tackling retail theft (a main reason Wal-Mart did away with self-checkout lanes) and reshaping grocery operations, the Costa Mesa City Council has approved a first-of-its-kind local ordinance regulating self-checkout lanes at supermarkets and drug stores. The measure, which takes effect on April 18, 2026, introduces staffing requirements, item limits, and daily fines for non-compliance.

What the ordinance requires

Under the new “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” law, stores with self-checkout systems must assign at least one employee to monitor every three automated kiosks. Before any self-checkout stations can be opened, at least one traditional, cashier-staffed lane must be available. Additionally, customers using self-checkout are limited to purchasing 15 items or fewer at these unmanned stations.

(Costa Mesa isn’t the first city to adopt this law. Last year, the city of Long Beach, California, adopted a similar ordinance.)

A system of fines

Retailers that fail to meet the staffing or operational requirements will have 15 days to correct violations after notice. After that period, fines begin at $100 per day for each missing attendant, rising to up to $1,000 per day per store if unaddressed. Council members and city officials say the enforcement structure is intended to encourage compliance while giving businesses a window to adjust.

Goals and support

City leaders and labor advocates argue the ordinance will reduce opportunities for theft, improve customer service, and ease the burden on workers currently stretched thin overseeing multiple self-checkout kiosks. Supporters, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324, say the changes address long-standing frustrations expressed by retail staff.

Concerns from businesses

Opposition has come from some business advocates who warn that the new rules could increase operational costs, lead to longer checkout lines, and discourage retailers from investing in the city. Critics also question whether the ordinance goes too far in regulating private-sector technology choices.

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