Self-checkout backlash continues as machines could be banned under proposed new state law

Stores could be forced to remove self-checkout counters in California under proposed new rules. 

A new bill being considered by state lawmakers on Monday would prohibit grocery and drug stores from using the kiosks unless they meet a series of strict criteria.

The proposal, which has the support of the UFCW union, comes amidst a huge backlash driven widescale shoplifting, fed-up customers who hate using the machines and staff fearful of losing jobs. 

If the bill is passed stores would need to ensure that self-checkouts were only used by customers purchasing ten items or less. 

There would also need to be at least one staffed checkout available as an alternative. 

Some of the largest retailers have taken steps this year to reverse the failed self-checkout experiment. The machines were designed to cut labor costs but caused increased theft

Self-checkout machines are especially vulnerable to theft since shoplifters can either not scan items or scan cheaper items

Store employees would have to supervise no more than two self-checkout machines at a time and not have other responsibilities simultaneously. 

Furthermore, certain items would be banned from being sold via self-checkout entirely under the new rules. 

Stores that use artificial intelligence would also need to complete an assessment before being able to use the technology for security or transaction purposes. 

Senate Bill 1446 -  proposed by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Democrat from Los Angeles - is due to be heard by the California's Senate Appropriations Committee.

'While it's crucial to adapt these new technologies, we must protect jobs and ensure worker safety,' Smallwood-Cuevas told the Sacramento Bee.

Self-checkout machines were introduced to slash labor costs and supposedly streamline the shopping experience for customers, but in reality the technology is vulnerable to theft. 

Large chains have already begun turning away from self-checkouts as a result.  

Walmart has been removing self-checkout machines from its stores in recent months in a bid to improve the 'in-store experience' for customers and cut down on losses from theft. 

In two stores - in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and Cleveland, Ohio - the retailer said it would replace kiosks with staffed checkout lanes which will 'give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service.'

Other stores, including Target are already implementing restrictions to self-checkouts and returning to more manual checkout lanes. 

Dollar General is among the retailers which have announced sweeping changes to automated registers in stores across the US

In two stores, in Missouri and Ohio, Walmart will replace self-checkout machines entirely with 'traditional' staffed lanes, as pictured

Target is deploying new scanners to combat theft at its self-checkout machines, which will roll out to all stores by the end of the year

Franchise owner Scott Savage has removed all the self-checkout lanes at his Giant Tiger discount store in Stratford, Ontario (Pictured: A store in Ottawa)

The company has said the changes would help reduce 'shrink' - the retail industry term for merchandise losses due to theft, damaged items and administrative errors.

'Most of the rollback of self-checkouts is due to retailer concerns over theft,' Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told DailyMail.com earlier this year. 

'Theft rates at self-checkouts are reasonably high both because of deliberate actions and accidental mistakes. Forcing more customers to used manned checkouts resolves a lot of these issues and saves retailers money' Saunders explained. 

Dollar General also announced earlier this year that it was pulling self-checkout stands entirely from 300 of its stores with the highest level of shoplifting and unscanned items.

'Most of the rollback of self-checkouts is due to retailer concerns over theft,' said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData

The discount chain said it would convert some of its self-checkout registers to regular cashier checkouts in 9,000 of its locations and limit self-checkout purchases to five items or less in a further 4,500 stores.

'We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,' Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said as part of the announcement. 

Franchise owner Scott Savage has removed all the self-checkout lanes at his Giant Tiger discount store in Stratford, Ontario.

Rather than issues with theft, he told CBC he made the change because many of his older customers dislike using the machines.

'The biggest complaint you have from everybody is, 'You don't pay me to work here,'' Savage said.

'They would line up at my regular registers, and they would just prefer that service.'

Several customers told the Canadian outlet how they were happy with the decision to ditch the automated registers at the discount retailer, which sells home goods, clothing and groceries.

'I like the person-to-person contact,' said Leslie Clayton-Winget. 'You can't say to a machine, 'Have a good day.''