It’s the ultimate tease. You spot a great deal on ribeye in your local grocery store flyer, only to find out it’s a digital coupon. You probably don’t have the app. And you don’t want the app. The darn thing never works anyway.
That annoying scenario could soon come to an end in San Diego. The city council recently approved an ordinance prohibiting grocery stores from offering digital-only coupons. The Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance is meant to ensure equitable access to grocery discounts, especially for low-income shoppers or the elderly, who often struggle with technology.
Under the ordinance, stores would have to offer equivalent in-store paper deals for any digital coupons they offer. The policy was crated by Sean Elo-Rivera and backed by Marni von Wilpert. It’s the first of its kind nationwide.
“Ensuring equitable access to discount pricing is not just about affordability—it's about fairness," said von Wilpert. "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. I want to thank Council President Elo-Rivera for his partnership and work on this important ordinance."
The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, praised the proposed policy. The non-profit has 250,000 members in San Diego.
To become law, the ordinance will need to pass a second reading in April.
Read more here.