Costco is finally cracking down on popular loophole used by non-members

The days of anyone and everyone being able to bag a bargain snack at Costco are numbered.

Who doesn't love a bargain? With the cost-of-living-crisis continuing, many people are keen to benefit from rock-bottom prices where they can.

Many people love taking advantage of their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda treat, including non-members, even though it’s intended for those with a Costco membership card.

The shop is rolling out something new which will put a stop to those who haven’t signed up benefiting from the food court loophole.

It’s been reported that scanners will be added to the self-checkout kiosks, meaning those without a card won’t be able to buy food there.

It's divided opinion online, with loyal members thinking it’s fair that is should only be reserved for them, while bargain hunters without a membership card are cheesed off they’ll miss out.

Members have loved the hotdog and soda combo for decades (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Scanners have already been fitted in some regions.

The price of the hot dog and soda hasn't increased since 1985.

Shoppers reported that the scanners are already in place in many places in Southern and Northern California.

One member wrote: “It'll take another few years to implement them in Nebraska, unfortunately.”

It’s been rumoured that the change was on the cards for quite some time, in a move to crack down on non-members abusing the system.

Another Costco member on Reddit wrote that it was unfair that they should be ‘subsidizing non-members’ with the loophole.

Others hope the rollout continues, as they want it to bring a quieter shopping experience at weekends.

One happy member wrote: "It’s been great since the lines are shorter and get your order sooner."

Members have been annoyed for a while that non-members have been able to sneak in and benefit ( Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Another ruthless customer added: "Good. Food court is one of the highest cost departments and seldom breaks even. Scraping the barnacles off the hull will be good for employees and shareholders alike."

"You don't need to scan at ours to enter the exit and go to the food court. We get a lot of high school boys coming for lunch, etc," wrote another.

Someone who wrote claiming they are a Costco employee said there is often tension between those with and without Costco cards. Another employee said people who sneak in to use the food court are 'always rude’.

"Can't wait for this to be implemented at ours," they wrote, saying 'the meltdowns are going to be epic’ when people realise they can no longer take advantage of the loophole.

Costco has said the rollout has come after feedback they received from members, and also to crack down on overcrowding. Some of the busiest food courts were those near office parks and construction sites.

The scanners have been fitted at the most ‘vulnerable’ locations for abuse, including outdoor food court locations which were the easiest to access.

Membership cards cost £52 (roughly $65) which allows members to access the full menu, including the popular hot dogs and pizza slices.