TITLE:
title
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REGARDING THE RESEARCH FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING STAFFING AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR SELF-CHECKOUT OPERATIONS (SCOS) IN GROCERY RETAIL STORES
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DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
PRESENTED BY: SERGIO ESCOBAR, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
CONTACT INFORMATION: SERGIO ESCOBAR, MANAGEMENT ANALYST (714) 754-5156
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Consider directing staff to conduct research and prepare a report on a possible ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-checkout operations (SCOs) in grocery retail stores.
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BACKGROUND:
At the March 18, 2025, City Council Meeting, during public comment, a few speakers raised concerns about the theft and inadequate staffing levels involving self-checkout operations at grocery stores. Mayor Stephens and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez requested the City Manager agendize an item for City Council consideration that would direct staff to provide research for potential development of an ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-checkout operations at grocery retail stores. As part of the research and review, Mayor Stephens and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez requested that staff look at the City of Long Beach’s proposed ordinance related to the matter.
On April 1, 2025, the Long Beach City Council gave direction to its city staff to evaluate options for an ordinance establishing labor staffing requirements and operational standards for SCOs in grocery retail stores and retail drug establishments to proactively address retail theft and advance the preservation of public safety and welfare.
City staff were directed to consider scope of coverage, self-checkout requirements, staffing requirements, and potential enforcement and penalties. A link to the City of Long Beach Agenda Report can be found here:
City of Long Beach Agenda Report
04-01-2025 CD1 Item (1).pdf - OneMeeting <https://longbeach.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=83142&type=2>
ANALYSIS:
In accordance with City Council Policy 300-6, proposals that are likely to involve a substantial commitment of staff time and research must be brought forward to the City Council for authorization. Staff believes doing a full analysis and recommendation for this item will take more than four hours, requiring City Council approval before the work is performed. If the majority of the Council supports this request, staff will research staffing and operational standards in grocery retail stores including the review and analysis of any proposed or adopted regulations from other jurisdictions in the state and an assessment of implementation and enforcement procedures. The exploratory findings would be brought forward to City Council for direction on development of an ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may choose not to direct staff to research and explore staffing and operational standards for SCOs in grocery retail stores.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact for this item, as staff believes the research and analysis can be performed within the existing budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this report and approved it as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council provide direction regarding research into potential development of an ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-checkout operations (SCOs) in grocery retail stores and retail drug establishments.