- Rhode Island has become the first state to limit grocery self-checkout lanes, requiring every store to have at least one staffed checkout for every three self-checkouts operating.
Lines at Rhode Island grocery stores are about to get a whole lot longer.
In late June, Rhode Island became the first state to limit grocery self-checkout lanes after Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee signed the Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act. The legislation mandates that every grocery store in the state have at least one staffed checkout for every three self-checkouts operating. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and failure to comply can result in fines of up to $500 per day.
“Today, we’re protecting jobs and strengthening customer service,” McKee said in a press release. “Whether it’s helping a customer with an issue, assisting a senior or ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, this law is about preserving choice and keeping people at the center of the shopping experience.”…