(KRON) -- A new bill could block stores from using self-checkout unless they follow new rules, including having enough staff, having clear signage, and limiting what you can buy. Alcohol could also be a factor. Senate Bill 442 (SB 442), introduced by State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-CA), is designed to improve working conditions for store employees. But grocery stores say these rules could drive up their costs — and that could mean higher prices for shoppers.
To help offset those costs, grocers are asking to be allowed to sell alcohol through self-checkout. California is the only state in the nation that bans the sale of alcohol at self-check out stations. State Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas, who introduced SB 442, opposes adding that provision.
“Alcohol has been prohibited through self-check