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Long Beach became the first U.S. city to mandate staffing ratios at self-checkout lanes, requiring one employee per three stations.

Major grocery chains, including Vons and Albertsons, closed self-checkout to comply with the new theft-prevention ordinance.

Unions say the law protects workers; retailers warn it will increase costs and lines for shoppers already frustrated by rampant theft.

Tired of rampant shoplifting scaring away citizens and shoppers, Long Beach is trying to force stores to add staff and reduce dependence on self-checkout.

The beachfront city, with a population of around half a million, last month started requiring major food and pharmacy retailers to do more to

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