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A bill that bars Californians from buying booze in self-checkout lanes is heading to Jerry Brown's desk for his signature.
Right now when you try to scan alcohol in the self-checkout lane, the whole process halts and an employee is supposed to check your ID before you're allowed to finish up your purchase. Supporters, like the Bay Area Assemblywoman Fiona Ma who proposed a San Francisco Democrat who proposed the bill, say that requiring face-to-face sales decreases the likelihood that a minor will buy alcohol.
But officials with the grocery industry say the law is a way for grocery union clerks to fight against the self-checkout stands that are gradually taking their jobs.
Others call the bill is a close relative of past legislation that took aim squarely at the business model of Fresh & Easy, which is the only major grocery chain that uses only self-checkout, according to Fresh & Easy Buzz, an independent blog that covers news about Fresh & Easy.
The Assembly passed the bill, 43-26, with most Democrats supporting it and most Republicans opposed, according to the Sacramento Bee.
