Rhode Island grocery stores may soon have new requirements for self-checkout lanes after lawmakers approved legislation that would set limits on how those stations are staffed and operated. The bill, known as the Restrictions on Self-Service Checkout Stations Act, would require grocery stores with self-checkout kiosks to maintain at least one staffed checkout lane for every three self-service stations. The measure also requires stores to keep at least one self-checkout station that meets accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The legislation applies to grocery retailers where food sales represent the majority of business. Stores using self-service checkout would also be required to ensure employees assigned to oversee those areas are focused on assisting customers at the kiosks rather than being responsible for other duties at the same time.
Self-checkout has become a common feature in supermarkets throughout Rhode Island. Depending on the location, stores may have a small group of kiosks positioned near traditional registers or larger self-service areas with multiple stations available for customers who choose to scan and pay for their own purchases. The new requirements could lead some retailers to review how their front-end areas are arranged. Stores with a higher number of self-checkout stations may need to adjust staffing schedules, open additional staffed lanes, or make changes to how employees are assigned during operating hours. The legislation also addresses accessibility at self-service stations. Under the bill, grocery stores would need to provide at least one kiosk that accommodates shoppers with disabilities, adding another requirement to the design and operation of checkout areas.
The bill was sponsored by members of the Rhode Island General Assembly who raised concerns about customer service and the responsibilities placed on employees monitoring multiple machines. Retailers across the country have taken different approaches to self-checkout in recent years. Some stores have expanded the number of kiosks available, while others have adjusted their layouts to include a mix of self-service stations and traditional registers. In Rhode Island, grocery operators will need to determine how the new requirements fit within their existing store setups. The legislation does not eliminate self-checkout lanes in Rhode Island stores. Instead, it establishes staffing and accessibility standards for retailers that continue using the technology. The bill passed both chambers of the Rhode Island General Assembly and was sent to Governor Dan McKee for review. If signed into law, grocery stores will need to comply with the requirements according to the timeline outlined in the legislation.
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