San Jose Considers New Self-Checkout Restrictions
The city aims to regulate grocery self-checkout lanes by imposing staffing mandates and new item quantity limits.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Remote Work
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San Jose officials are considering new rules for grocery store self-checkout lanes to combat rising shoplifting and labor concerns. The proposal would require one employee for every three checkout stations and implement a 15-item limit.
Why it matters
Local officials hope to address a 48% rise in shoplifting by mandating increased oversight at kiosks. However, retailers warn that the added staffing costs could force many stores to abandon self-checkout service altogether.
A report cited a 48% increase in shoplifting between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the safety concerns prompting the new mandate. Meanwhile, retail industry data suggests that 10 out of 13 grocery businesses in Long Beach reduced or removed self-checkout service after adopting similar policies.
The players
Domingo Candelas
He is a San Jose councilmember who co-authored the memo outlining the proposed grocery store regulations.
David Cohen
He is a San Jose councilmember who serves alongside Domingo Candelas in pushing for stricter self-checkout policies.
The details
The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilmembers Domingo Candelas and David Cohen, also prohibits the use of self-checkout for items stored behind locked cabinets. Retailers have cautioned that the requirements could double operating costs and result in higher food prices for consumers.
Timeline
Between 2019 and 2024, shoplifting rates increased by 48%.
State legislation to regulate self-checkout systems failed in both 2024 and 2025.
A policy mandating minimum staffing levels took effect in Long Beach in 2025.
The San Jose Rules and Open Government Committee reviewed the proposal on Oct. 7, 2026.
Market Landscape
San Jose's regulatory effort follows a pattern set by the 2025 Long Beach minimum staffing policy for self-checkout. This move reflects a growing tension in the retail sector between operational efficiency and public safety mandates.
Shoppers in San Jose may experience longer wait times if retailers decide to reduce the number of active self-checkout machines to comply with new staffing rules. These operational adjustments could also influence broader local food pricing as stores pass on the higher labor costs.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to struggle with balancing the convenience of automated kiosks against the reality of increased theft and rising labor costs. Residents should expect significant changes to their checkout experience if the city moves forward with the proposed mandates.
Further reading
For more information on employment trends and operational changes in retail, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San José Spotlight.
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Should grocery stores be required to staff self-checkout lanes, even if it increases consumer prices?
