Shoppers who love self-checkout for its speed and convenience are about to see some big changes — and not everyone is happy about it. Starting September 21, 2025, new rules in Long Beach, California, will require stores like Walmart, Target, and major grocery chains to have employees closely monitoring self-checkout lanes.
The law was approved by the city’s mayor in August and gives businesses 31 days to comply.
What exactly is changing?
The new rules focus on staffing and oversight at self-checkout stations to prevent theft and make shopping safer. Here’s what stores must do:
- Always ensure that at least one employee is present at the self-checkout area.
- If a store has two or more self-checkout stations, there must be one employee for every three self-service lanes.
- A regular checkout lane with a cashier must stay open at any time self-checkout is available.
- Restrictions on what shoppers can buy at self-checkout will also be enforced.
In other words, the days of completely unattended self-checkouts are over—at least in Long Beach.
Why the crackdown?
City leaders say the rules are designed to reduce retail theft, which has been rising across the U.S. in recent years. Some shoppers have been caught walking out with unpaid items, intentionally or by accident, and stores have been looking for ways to tighten security.
But not everyone thinks this is the right approach. One frustrated shopper wrote on Facebook:
“This feels like overreach. Instead of targeting shoplifters, we’re micromanaging how businesses employ staff at self-checkouts. Could we consider implementing stronger penalties for offenders rather than requiring stores to hire additional staff?
What does this mean for you as a shopper?
The biggest change you’ll notice is more employees hanging around self-checkout stations. That could mean:
- Shorter lines if you need help scanning items.
- Fewer open self-checkout lanes if stores can’t staff them properly.
- Possible higher prices if retailers pass on staffing costs.
And if you usually buy age-restricted or high-value items through self-checkout? Be prepared — some products may no longer be available for self-scan.
Walmart is already rolling out other security measures
This isn’t the only big change happening at checkout counters. Walmart has begun testing body cameras on employees at some locations, including stores in Florida.
The company started trials in December 2024, and shoppers are now spotting the devices more often as the rollout expands. A Reddit user posted:
“My Walmart is rolling out body cams for all cashiers. Is anyone else’s store using them?”
Walmart says the cameras are meant to protect employees and customers by documenting interactions – but some people worry it may feel too much like surveillance.
What’s next?
For now, the new self-checkout staffing rules only apply in Long Beach, California. But if city officials consider the program a success, other cities—or even states—could follow with similar laws.
Large retailers like Walmart and Target are expected to comply on time, though it could mean shoppers see fewer open lanes, longer waits, or even higher prices if labor costs increase.
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The bottom line
- New self-checkout rules start September 21, 2025, in Long Beach.
- Stores must staff self-checkout lanes at all times.
- One cashier lane must always remain open alongside self-checkout.
- Certain items may no longer be available at self-scan.
