Costa Mesa Regulates Self-Checkout Lanes to Combat Theft and Protect Jobs

Costa Mesa, California, has grow the second city in the state to implement regulations on self-checkout lanes in grocery and retail drug stores, aiming to curb retail theft and provide better support for workers. The new ordinance, approved by the City Council on February 17, 2026, follows similar legislation passed in Long Beach last August [1].

Key Provisions of the Ordinance

The regulations include several key provisions designed to address concerns about theft and employee workload:

• Staffing Ratio: Stores will be required to have one employee overseeing no more than three self-checkout stations [1], [2].
• Transaction Limit: Self-checkout transactions will be capped at 15 items [1], [2].
• Restricted Items: The purchase of items kept in locked cases will be prohibited at self-checkout lanes [1].
• Manned Checkout Requirement: A manned checkout line must be open before any self-checkout stations are used [4].

Implementation and Enforcement

The ordinance applies to retail establishments with more than 15,000 square feet of space [1]. Businesses have 60 days from February 17, 2026, to comply with the new rules, with the regulations taking full effect on April 18, 2026 [2]. Violations could result in fines of $100 per incident, capped at $1,000 per day [1], [2]. Businesses will be given 15 days to correct any violations before penalties are applied [2].

Rationale Behind the Ordinance

City leaders and union representatives, including Jose Perez, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324, have expressed support for the ordinance, citing its potential to combat retail theft and protect workers [1], [4]. Supporters argue that understaffing and reliance on self-checkout systems create unsafe environments for both shoppers and employees, and that the regulations will provide better service to customers, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities [4].

Council Vote and Concerns

The ordinance passed with a 5-2 vote on February 17, 2026 [2]. Councilmembers Jeff Pettis and Mike Buley opposed the measure, expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on businesses and the possibility of shoppers taking their business to neighboring cities [2]. Mayor John Stephens acknowledged these concerns and noted that the city will review the law’s implementation within a year [1].