State passes historic law limiting grocery store self-checkouts

Costco's self-checkout and staffed lines in Rhode Island are about to get a makeover thanks to a new law. The new law imposes a "proper balance" of staff at the checkout aisles, or else retailers like Costco could get hit with a $1,000 fine daily.

Creating a more balanced checkout experience

How many times have you run into issues at the self-checkout lane in Costco, only to realize there's no staff in sight? Or, maybe you prefer the traditional staffed checkout, which often seems few and far between.

The new law in Rhode Island forces a balance between grocery store self-checkout kiosks and traditionally staffed checkouts. All grocery stores must have at least one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkout aisles.

Not only that, but at least one self-checkout lane needs to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Staff need to focus on the self-checkout lanes

One thing that staff often complain about is that even though they are positioned at the self-checkout lanes, they have a list of other responsibilities to deal with. The new law states that staff at self-checkout need to be "relieved of other duties."

This can speed up your checkout process because if you need help, it won't be hard to find staff.

Those who backed the new bill say part of the reasoning is that it helps preserve jobs. It forces grocery stores to staff people and not transition to a fully self-checkout setup.

There are questions about which stores count as grocery stores

Not everyone seems convinced about the new law's benefits. Some people are arguing about the terminology used. What criteria are being used to decide if a store is a grocery store?

Because the definition is so broad, some are arguing it may go too far and that it may be too vague.

Watch for dedicated staff to show up at Costco

If you've avoided the self-checkout lanes at your local Rhode Island Costco because you find them overwhelming or confusing, this new law could make it a lot easier for you.

Source: The U.S. Sun