California city aims to reduce crime by cracking down on self-checkout lanes

Things are going so well in the California city of Long Beach that the city is mandating retail stores step back in time.

You know how you used to go to the supermarket and then you'd have to go to a cashier to checkout? And then we moved into a brave new world where we were trusted to use self-checkout and take care of the cashier process ourselves?

Well, some in Long Beach, California apparently couldn't be trusted with this task, so the city is stepping in.

Shoppers in Long Beach, California, are about to see Walmart's checkout experience flipped on its head. A new city ordinance now forces the retail giant to limit how many self-checkout machines one worker can oversee — just two terminals max per employee — and also requires at least one traditional register to stay open. Fail to follow the rules? That's a $2,500 fine per violation, and yes, it applies to every checkout lane.

This isn't just for Walmart, although they are probably among the most likely to be victimized by these self-checkout shoplifters.

At this rate, you may as well go back to cashiers.

The move, passed by the Long Beach City Council, is meant to curb a surge in shoplifting and boost in-store safety. Walmart, known for embracing automation to cut costs, now faces a challenge: balance high-tech convenience with a growing demand for more human staff. The stakes are high — not just for operations, but for thousands of customers used to scanning and bagging their own groceries in peace.

I like how the city's solution to shoplifting is to fine the victims of the crime.

But in California, making the criminals themselves pay for their crimes is a strange idea.

Walmart, the main purveyor of self-checkout and the employee-free tech, plans to comply. And with a $2,500 fine per violation it's easy to see why.

Walmart has finally chimed in, and it's clear the retail giant isn't thrilled. The company, along with other major chains, has poured big money into tech upgrades to make shopping faster and smoother. Self-checkout was their answer to long lines and labor shortages, not to mention a way to keep pace with online giants. But now, critics argue, this law feels like a slap on the scanner — punishing them for going digital in a world that's only getting more connected.

Well, the luddites and the others who don't like seeing robots take human jobs should be happy, shouldn't they?

The Chamber of Commerce isn't buying it. They say this new law misses the mark on curbing theft. 'All it really does is pump up expenses without tackling the root of the problem,' said Celeste Wilson from the Chamber. In their view, big retailers aren't just standing around — they've already rolled out hi-tech tricks like smart cameras and weight sensors to keep checkout lanes honest.

But if those technologies work then all it will do is stop shoplifters and prevent crime!

We can't have that here!

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