Self-checkout backlash continues as machines could be banned under proposed new state law

Stores could be forced to remove self-checkout counters in California under proposed new rules.

A new bill being considered by state lawmakers Monday would ban supermarkets and drugstores from using the kiosks unless they meet a strict set of criteria.

The proposal, which has the backing of the UFCW union, comes amid massive shoplifting caused by backlash, customers tired of using the machines and staff fearful of losing their jobs.

If the bill passes, stores would have to ensure that self-checkouts are only used by customers purchasing ten items or fewer.

There should also be at least one manned cash register available as an alternative.

Self-checkout machines are particularly vulnerable to theft because shoplifters cannot scan items or scan cheaper items

Store associates should not be checking more than two self-checkouts at a time and should not have other responsibilities at the same time.

In addition, under the new rules, certain items would be completely banned via self-checkout.

Stores that use artificial intelligence would also be required to complete an assessment before using the technology for security or transaction purposes.

Senate Bill 1446 – proposed by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Los Angeles Democrat – will be heard by the California Senate Judiciary Committee.

“While it is critical to adapt these new technologies, we must protect jobs and ensure worker safety,” Smallwood-Cuevas told the newspaper. Sacramento Bee.

Self-checkout machines were introduced to reduce labor costs and ostensibly streamline the shopping experience for customers, but in reality the technology is vulnerable to theft.

As a result, major chains have already begun to move away from self-checkouts.

Walmart has been removing self-checkout machines from its stores in recent months in an effort to improve the in-store experience for customers and reduce losses due to theft.

At two stores — in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and Cleveland, Ohio — the retailer said it would replace the kiosks with staffed checkouts that will “give our associates the opportunity to provide a more personalized and efficient service.”

Other stores, including Target, are already implementing self-checkout restrictions and returning to more manual checkouts.

Dollar General is among the retailers that have announced major changes to automated checkouts in U.S. stores

In two stores, in Missouri and Ohio, Walmart will completely replace self-checkout machines with “traditional” staffed lanes, as shown

Target is deploying new scanners to combat theft at its self-checkout counters, which will be rolled out across all stores by the end of the year

Franchise owner Scott Savage has removed all self-checkout lanes at his Giant Tiger discount store in Stratford, Ontario (Photo: A store in Ottawa)

The company has said the changes would help reduce ‘shrink’ – the retail term for loss of goods due to theft, damaged items and administrative errors.

“The rollback of self-checkouts is largely due to retailers’ concerns about theft,” Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told DailyMail.com earlier this year.

‘Theft rates at self-checkouts are quite high, due to both intentional actions and unintentional errors. “Forcing more customers to use manned checkouts will solve many of these problems and save retailers money,” Saunders explains.

Dollar General also announced this earlier this year that it has completely removed self-checkout stands from 300 of its stores with the highest levels of shoplifting and unscanned items.

“The rollback of self-checkouts is largely due to retailers’ concerns about theft,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData.

The discount chain said it would convert some of its self-checkout registers to regular cash registers at 9,000 locations and limit self-checkout purchases to five items or fewer at another 4,500 stores.

“We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar’s general manager, as part of the announcement.

Franchise owner Scott Savage has removed all self-checkout lanes at his Giant Tiger discount store in Stratford, Ontario.

Rather than having problems with theft, he told CBC he made the change because many of his older customers don’t like using the machines.

“The biggest complaint you have from anyone is, ‘You’re not paying me to work here,’” Savage said.

“They would be queuing at my regular checkouts, and they would just prefer that service.”

Several customers told the Canadian outlet how happy they were with the decision to ditch automated checkouts at the discount store, which sells home goods, clothing and groceries.

“I like the personal touch,” Leslie Clayton-Winget said. “You can’t say to a machine, ‘Have a nice day.’