In a landmark move, San Diego has become the first city in the United States to ban online-only grocery coupons, a decision aimed at aiding shoppers without access to smartphones or the internet. This new law, known as the Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance, will take effect on July 29, ensuring that all shoppers can access printed versions of digital deals.
The initiative arises from increasing concerns over the growing digital divide that has left many consumers, particularly senior citizens and low-income families, struggling to utilize online-only savings due to their reliance on technology.
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who advocated for the ban, highlighted how the digital-only coupon model has alienated vulnerable groups within the community. He noted that these digital requirements often exclude those who cannot afford smartphones or lack the digital literacy to navigate apps and online platforms.
As implementing the new law nears, many local grocery stores are beginning to proactively print paper versions of digital coupons, recognizing the upcoming requirement to comply with the law. Under the ban, all grocery retailers in San Diego must display signs informing customers of their right to request printed coupons.
Failure to provide printed versions of digital coupons could result in legal action or fines against these businesses, underscoring the city’s commitment to equitable access for all shoppers.
Elo-Rivera remarked, ‘People are accessing savings that had previously been out of reach or intentionally challenging to access.’ He believes this initiative will put more money back into the pockets of residents during a time when rising grocery prices are straining budgets.
Concerns about online-only coupons are not unique to San Diego. Several states, including New Jersey and Washington, have also moved to restrict digital-only offers, pointing to worries that these practices exacerbate existing disparities among consumers. The push for a ban in San Diego was motivated by firsthand observations from Elo-Rivera’s District 9, where he noted numerous seniors, low-income families, and non-native English speakers missing out on digital discounts.
A significant portion of San Diego’s population falls into these demographic categories. Statistics indicate that one in seven residents is aged 65 and older, many living on fixed incomes. Additionally, a 2022 report highlighted that nearly 53,000 households in San Diego lack internet access, a barrier that often impacts low-income families.
Elo-Rivera stated at a recent City Council meeting, ‘What may seem like a trivial exercise of downloading an app or utilizing that app while in a grocery store becomes an insurmountable barrier to way too many people in our community.’
He is not alone in his criticism; even well-versed tech users have voiced frustrations with digital coupon systems, which can be hampered by slow Wi-Fi connections and buggy apps, preventing them from capitalizing on the discounts available.
The Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance is part of a broader strategy in San Diego to alleviate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has made it challenging for many residents to afford basic necessities. Grocery prices have seen significant inflation, and residents now face some of the highest grocery bills in the nation.
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index, San Diegans have experienced price increases across various grocery items, with essential staples such as orange juice, parmesan cheese, and ground beef costing more than they did a year ago. Elo-Rivera emphasized the need for accessible coupon options, stating, ‘This is an opportunity for San Diego to address what is our most pressing issue.’
The immediate launch of the printed coupon mandate aims not only to support those at risk of being left behind in the digital age but attempts to remedy the significant impact of inflation on families across San Diego.
Alongside Elo-Rivera, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert will be hosting an informational town hall on July 30, just after the ban goes into effect. The session, located at the San Diego Oasis senior center, is organized in collaboration with the nonprofit Serving Seniors, demonstrating the city’s commitment to outreach and education regarding the new law.
The ripple effects of this ordinance extend far beyond simple coupon access, as it strives to create a more inclusive shopping environment for those who have been historically marginalized in the digital landscape of grocery savings.
image source from：timesofsandiego
