Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses

A Vons grocery store Photo by Alexander Nguyen Times of San Diego A new law took effect Wednesday limiting the use of digital-only coupons by grocery stores the first of its kind in the country The measure which passed in March and was revised in July to address grocery store concerns is aimed at bridging the digital divide People who lack smartphone access or reliable internet organization primarily seniors and low-income residents are at a disadvantage when it comes to using digital coupons According to a analysis cited by the Agenda and Innovation Center of low-income seniors own a smartphone compared to of San Diego residents overall Three in seniors in the city are considered low-income making it hard for them to afford basic necessities such as food Grocery stores have taken different approaches to comply with the new ordinance Vons for example has decided to sharply curtail them telling customers in an email this week it will be severely limiting the number of discounts and coupons in its stores within city limits Since numerous of our deals are sponsored and supported by manufacturers cooperation with our vendors is necessary the email mentioned in part The report added that particular vendors had not provided alternative formats for their digital offers resulting in a reduced number of promotions and digital deals available in the impacted San Diego stores On the other hand two Kroger brands Ralphs and Food Less have printed paper versions of digital coupons for customers to use in stores To make it simpler for our customers to take advantage of digital coupons in our stores we are providing an easy-to-use flyer they can scan at checkout Ralphs Food Less recounted the Union-Tribune Customers can only grab a flyer in our stores or ask for help from one of our friendly clerks In an emailed announcement Stater Bros Markets mentioned Our San Diego store will comply with the city s new ordinance and an in-store alternative to digital coupons will be available for customers City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera who championed the ordinance criticized stores that are not offering in-store alternatives We recognize that selected stores have chosen to remove digital discounts instead of offering in-store options That decision is not required and is instead a choice that undermines the intent to expand not eliminate access to savings Elo-Rivera and fellow council member Marni von Wilpert noted in a joint announcement We do hope and expect all grocers including those who have yet to do so will follow the lead of others who are successfully offering in-store discounts to meet the ordinance s goal fair access to savings for all Former Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey now a social media commentator also weighed in In a video to his followers he announced Most of discounts come from national manufacturers and vendors and they only issue several digital coupons for a brief moment That means grocery stores have no practical way to provide physical versions for a great number of discount codes Bailey noted that cabinet programs exist to help very low-income individuals obtain smartphones In his video he declared non-native English speakers are less likely to access digital coupons but he did not highlight seniors in the voiceover If you believe a store in San Diego is not in compliance you can analysis it to the City Attorney s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit Grocery stores have days to address violations after receiving written notice Convenience stores warehouse clubs and pharmacies are exempt from the ordinance