A California city has found a new way to fight rampant retail theft. In August, the city of Long Beach passed an ordinance requiring increased staffing at stores.

The ordinance, which goes into effect on September 11, 2025, applies to at grocery and drug stores that have self-service checkout stations.

To advance public safety and prevent retail theft, according to the city, drug and grocery retailers must have one employee on hand to checkout individuals in addition to their self service checkout lanes.

In addition, an employee must be on hand to supervise the self-service checkout lane.

Stores must have one employee for every three self-service checkout lanes.

Violations are subject to civil penalties and attorney fees and costs, according to Chapter 5.93 of the Municipal Civil Code.