California City’s Self-Checkout Proposal Could Fine Stores $1,000

The city of Costa Mesa, California, is preparing updated store self-checkout rules that could result in hefty fines for businesses.

The news comes as stores have been grappling with problems surrounding theft in self-checkout lanes for the past several years.

According to a recent Mirror U.S. article, “On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Costa Mesa City Council narrowly backed in a 3-2 vote the first reading of the new local ordinance, requiring at least one associate to be working for every three self-checkout stands and enforcing a 15-item or less limit, among other rules.”

One reason behind the ordinance is to deter theft. However, stores could face fines of up to $1,000 for not adhering to the rules.

Meanwhile, California Grocers’ Associated spokesman Nate Rose told