San Diego may soon require grocery stores to extend digital-only discounts to all customers to ensure fair pricing for seniors, shoppers with poor English skills and people without smartphones. Two City Council members said Thursday they will introduce legislation this fall to require paper coupon versions of digital discounts. They said it would address a growing issue and make it easier for everyone to save money. “Every San Diegan, no matter their access to technology or language ability, deserves access to the best price,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “This price transparency policy is our way of fighting back against a system that leaves the most vulnerable behind and ensuring that San Diego is a city where fairness comes first.” Councilmember Marni von Wilpert said the policy would help bridge the digital divide between wealthy and poor neighborhoods and seniors and young people. “Ensuring equitable access to discount pricing is not just about affordability — it’s about fairness,” von Wilpert said. “This ordinance will make sure that all consumers, low-income and senior populations that might not have access or have the understanding to utilize new technology, have the opportunity to benefit from the same savings that help families make ends meet.” The states of New York and New Jersey have explored similar legislation. According to Pew Research, 39% of Americans over 65 don’t own a smartphone, and 25% don’t use the internet at all. “This may seem like a minor issue, but it is not minor to ensure equitable opportunity for cost savings for all consumers, especially those who may not have access to technology or need alternatives due to disabilities or other reasons,” said Paul Downey, chief executive of Serving Seniors. “These measures are meaningful to people trying to survive on low or fixed incomes when every penny counts.” The California chapter of the American Association of Retired People also expressed support. “On behalf of over 250,000 AARP members in San Diego, AARP California supports this proposal to expand access to savings at grocery stores, the group said. “Ensuring that discounts are available to everyone, not just those using digital platforms, is essential for promoting fairness, especially for older adults and others who may face challenges with technology.” Alor Calderon, who helps low-income workers who struggle with both language and technology challenges as director of the Employee Rights Center, said the legislation is an important move. “Access to better prices at commercial outlets where we buy food and necessities is an important solution focused on helping people,” he said.