April 22, 2025

On April 15th, the San Diego City Council voted 9-0 to approve the first-of-its-kind Grocery Transparency Ordinance, requiring retail grocery stores that offer digital discounts or coupons to make corresponding paper coupons and pricing available to consumers of identical value upon request. The ordinance, brought forward by Councilmember Elo-Rivera, was aimed to ensure access to coupons to those affected by the digital divide. However, the unintended consequences of this legislation are vast would make it extremely difficult for grocers and retailers to provide discounts and operate, hindering San Diego’s competitiveness by driving consumers out of the city in search of the discounts it is looking to facilitate, and contributing tax revenue to other cities in the region.

Chamber Executive Director of Public Affairs, Justine Murray, expressed concerns with the ordinance along with other stakeholders to the City Council. The Chamber led a coalition letter expressing these concerns, supported by the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Retailers Association, the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, the Neighborhood Market Association, and 7-11.

While the Chamber supports the goal of ensuring all San Diegans have access to discounts at grocery and retail locations, we continue to grow concerned about proposals brought forward for Council’s consideration without proper outreach to the business community and impacted parties. The Chamber will continue to engage with the City on this issue, and a few members expressed their commitment to work with the business community on amendments that would ensure this ordinance would not be detrimental to businesses and operators.