San Diego passes firstinthenation policy to ban digitalonly coupons at grocery stores
Mar 24, 2025
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Don't have an app for that? Well, if you are in a San Diego grocery store, you don't need one anymore, as the San Diego City Council has passed a first-in-the-nation policy to ban digital-only coupons.
The council on Monday unanimously passed the Grocery Pricing Transpar
ency Ordinance, a first-of-its-kind policy that seeks to give all San Diegans the same access to grocery store coupons.
Now, grocers in the city who offer digital deals are required to also have paper coupons available in-store and accessible to all customers. This allows all San Diegans to utilize the same deals, whether or not they have access to smartphones or the internet.
San Diego is now the first city in the country to implement a policy like this.
San Diego mulls first-of-its-kind law on digital coupons at grocery stores
The ordinance was brought forward by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert.
“San Diegans are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars, but corporate grocery chains are turning basic shopping into a rigged game,” said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. “This ordinance is a common sense step to fight back against corporate tricks and stand up for working people and families who are being squeezed at the checkout line.”
The city council unanimously passed the ordinance on Monday after it initially unanimously passed through the select committee during its first meeting in late February.
"Many senior citizens are living on fixed incomes and are feeling the financial strain of the increasing cost of living," said Councilmember von Wilpert. “This ordinance will ensure that all consumers, especially our seniors, have the opportunity to benefit from the same grocery savings opportunities.”
AARP California also issued a statement after the passage of the ordinance, saying, “AARP California supports the grocery coupon ordinance as a vital step in promoting the financial security of older adults and vulnerable populations. Older adults on fixed incomes are struggling amid rising costs, and the digital divide limits those without internet access or the ability to navigate digital coupons. This proposed ordinance can help ensure savings through paper coupons or shelf-tag discounts. By removing barriers, it can help older adults, people with disabilities, and others to afford their essential groceries. AARP California urges the City Council to pass this ordinance to help make San Diego more affordable and livable for older adults and vulnerable communities.”
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