Bill Could Ban Alcohol at Fresh & Easy

JULIE GALLAGHER

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A bill that would force Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market to reconfigure its self-checkout model or stop selling alcohol in most stores, has reached California Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk.

If passed, the United Food and Commercial Workers-backed bill, would ban alcoholic beverage sales at self-service checkouts across the state. Supporters say the bill is designed to cut down on underage drinking and sales of alcohol to those who are already intoxicated.

“This applies equally to union and non-union stores,” explained Michael Henneberry, communications director for San Jose-based UFCW Local 5.

But opponents contend the bill purposely targets nonunion Fresh & Easy, the only grocer in the state to operate a self-serve only checkout model in its 130 California stores.

“This bill is a solution looking for a problem,” said Ron Fong, president and chief executive officer of the California Grocers Association, Sacramento. “It’s aimed directly at Fresh & Easy because [the UFCW] is looking to shut them down.”

This is the third bill seeking to ban alcohol purchases at self-checkouts in California. Last year’s measure was approved by the Legislature but vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gov. Brown has until Oct. 9 to either sign or veto the latest version. Its unclear how Fresh & Easy will proceed should the bill become law.

“Right now our focus is on making sure the bill gets vetoed,” chain spokesman Brendan Wonnacott told SN. “We’ll just have to see how things take shape.”