On August 21, 2025, the Mayor of Long Beach approved an ordinance requiring staffing for self-checkout at drug retail establishments and grocery stores. The ordinance will go into effect on September 21, 2025, the 31st day after the Mayor’s approval.

As previously reported, the ordinance covers drug retail establishments and food retail establishments as defined in the ordinance. Covered stores are required to have at least one employee supervise the self-service checkout operation at all times and not be assigned to perform any other work during that timeframe. If a store has 2 or more self-checkout stations, the store must maintain staffing ratios of at least one employee for every 3 self-service stations.

Covered stores must also have at least one non-self-service checkout station staffed by an employee who is available during times when self-service is available. The ordinance also restricts what can be purchased at self-service stations.

If you have questions about compliance with Long Beach’s new ordinance or related issues, contact a Jackson Lewis Attorney to discuss.

Photo of Tania J. Mistretta Tania J. Mistretta

Tania J. Mistretta is a principal in the New York City, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She partners closely with national and local clients to advise on challenging workplace law issues, providing strategic advice on how to achieve business objectives while…

Tania J. Mistretta is a principal in the New York City, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She partners closely with national and local clients to advise on challenging workplace law issues, providing strategic advice on how to achieve business objectives while ensuring compliance with the law.

Photo of Laura A. Pierson-Scheinberg Laura A. Pierson-Scheinberg

Laura A. Pierson-Scheinberg is a principal in the San Francisco, California, and Baltimore, Maryland, offices of Jackson Lewis P.C., co-leader of the firm’s Labor Relations practice group and co-leader of the Retail industry group.

Laura represents employers in labor and employment matters, with…

Laura A. Pierson-Scheinberg is a principal in the San Francisco, California, and Baltimore, Maryland, offices of Jackson Lewis P.C., co-leader of the firm’s Labor Relations practice group and co-leader of the Retail industry group.

Laura represents employers in labor and employment matters, with a particular focus on traditional labor issues, union elections and unfair labor practice charges. She has extensive experience in collective bargaining, from serving as chief spokesperson to developing strategy behind the scenes. Laura’s background includes bargaining for both large and small clients from a local to a national level in a wide range of industries, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. When recessive bargaining and labor-management disputes become strikes, she has worked with her clients to develop contingency plans and strike preparedness. She also has experience with government contractors subject to the Service Contract Act.