With the aim of improving working conditions, enhancing public convenience, and curbing retail theft amounting to hundreds of thousands in lost tax revenue, San Jose could become the first Bay Area city to regulate self-checkout kiosks at grocery stores and pharmacies.
The City Council’s rules committee agreed Wednesday to study the proposal and return to the council with potential regulations that could mandate a ratio of one employee for every three kiosks, require at least one human-staffed lane to remain open while self-checkout is active, and limit transactions to 15 items.
Other proposed rules include prohibiting self-checkout for tobacco and locked merchandise, require self-checkout zones to remain in clear view of staff and law enforcement, mandate public signage informing customers of their rights and reporting procedures, and establish a partnership with Santa Clara County’s Office of Labor Standards Enforcement…