Could California begin allowing alcohol at self-checkout?

(KRON) — A new bill could block stores from using self-checkout unless they follow new rules, including having enough staff, having clear signage, and limiting what you can buy. Alcohol could also be a factor.

Senate Bill 442 (SB 442), introduced by State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-CA), is designed to improve working conditions for store employees. But grocery stores say these rules could drive up their costs — and that could mean higher prices for shoppers.

To help offset those costs, grocers are asking to be allowed to sell alcohol through self-checkout.
California is the only state in the nation that bans the sale of alcohol at self-check out stations. State Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, who introduced SB 442, opposes adding that provision.

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“Alcohol has been prohibited through self-checkout for well over a decade through policy that was supported by law enforcement, health officials, and local governments to stop illegal purchases of alcohol and protect public health,” said Smallwood-Cuevas in a statement. “My message is clear: Allowing alcohol through self-checkout poses significant risks to our communities, particularly to young people.”

One local shopper in Alameda disagrees.

“Its legal in Nevada and you just need your I.D. to do it, so when you scan alcohol it just ask for your I.D. to scan your age, which is pretty straight forward. If you’re not 21, you won’t be able to buy unless you have an ID,” said the shopper whose name was Otieku.

“The more difficult and cumbersome you make the in-store shopping experience, the more people are going to shop online right? And we’re already seeing that transition happen in our industry,” said Daniel Conway, vice president of government relations with the California Grocers Association, who is opposed to SB 442.

Currently, the bill is in the stages of its second committee review. SB 442 would also restrict customers to 15 items of less at self checkout.

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