Family Dollar Cigarette Sales: Availability, Pricing, and Youth Access Concerns

Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash

Does Family Dollar Sell Cigarettes?

Yes, Family Dollar does sell cigarettes in many of its locations across the United States [4] . The chain began selling tobacco products in 2012, joining other major dollar store brands in expanding their product offerings to include cigarettes [4] . However, the availability of cigarettes can vary by location due to state and local regulations, licensing requirements, and individual store policies.

Pricing and Availability

Family Dollar is known for offering some of the lowest cigarette prices among major retailers. A 2019 study of California tobacco retailers found that the cheapest pack of cigarettes at dollar stores-including Family Dollar-cost less than at most other types of stores, except for dedicated tobacco shops [4] . For example, cigarettes at dollar stores were typically $0.32 cheaper than at liquor stores and $0.39 cheaper than at convenience stores [4] . This price advantage makes Family Dollar a notable option for cost-conscious smokers, especially in lower-income and rural communities where these stores are often located [4] .

Location and Community Impact

Family Dollar and similar dollar stores are more likely to be found in neighborhoods with lower median household income, rural status, and higher proportions of school-age youth [4] . This distribution raises public health concerns, as easier access to cheap cigarettes may contribute to higher smoking rates among vulnerable populations, including youth and low-income residents [4] .

Regulatory Compliance and Youth Access

Family Dollar has faced scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for high rates of illegal tobacco sales to minors [1] . Since 2010, over 23% of Family Dollar stores inspected by the FDA were found to have illegally sold tobacco products to underage buyers-a rate significantly higher than the average for major retailers [1] . This trend was confirmed in a joint study by East Carolina University and Stanford University, which found Family Dollar failed 12% of FDA inspections from 2015 to 2020, compared to a 9% average among its competitors [2] .

FDA Enforcement and Corporate Response

The FDA has publicly called on Family Dollar’s corporate leadership to address these compliance issues, emphasizing that violating laws preventing sales to minors should not be treated as a routine cost of doing business [1] . The agency has requested detailed plans from Family Dollar to mitigate illegal sales, which may include limiting tobacco sales, strengthening internal policies, and improving staff training [1] . The FDA also maintains a public database where consumers and stakeholders can review retailer compliance check results [1] .

How to Find Out If Your Local Family Dollar Sells Cigarettes

Because tobacco sales are subject to state and local laws, not all Family Dollar locations sell cigarettes. To determine if your local store offers tobacco products:

• Call the Store Directly: The most reliable way is to contact your local Family Dollar and ask about their tobacco product offerings.
• Check In-Store: Visit the store and look for tobacco products behind the counter or ask a staff member.
• Review State and Local Regulations: Some municipalities restrict tobacco sales in certain types of stores. Check your local government’s website for tobacco retail licensing information.

Licensing and Temporary Sales Interruptions

Occasionally, Family Dollar locations may temporarily halt cigarette sales due to licensing issues. For example, a store in Caliente, Nevada, resumed cigarette sales only after correctly displaying its renewed state tobacco license [3] . Such interruptions are typically resolved once proper documentation is posted, and they do not affect other store operations [3] .

Photo by Brendan Stephens on Unsplash

Public Health Considerations

The availability of cheap cigarettes at Family Dollar and other dollar stores raises important public health questions. These retailers are often located in communities already disproportionately affected by tobacco-related diseases, and their low prices may make quitting more difficult for residents [4] . Public health advocates have called for policies such as minimum price laws and restrictions on tobacco retailer density to address these disparities [4] .

What Consumers Should Know

If you are considering purchasing cigarettes at Family Dollar, keep in mind:

• Availability Varies: Not all locations sell tobacco, so verify with your local store.
• Pricing: Cigarettes are often cheaper at Family Dollar than at many other retailers, but prices can fluctuate based on location and local taxes.
• Age Restrictions: All tobacco sales are restricted to adults 21 and over. Family Dollar has faced enforcement actions for sales to minors, so compliance with age verification is critical.
• Regulatory Oversight: The FDA actively monitors compliance with youth access laws and publishes inspection results online. Consumers can review these records for more information.

Alternatives to Family Dollar for Tobacco Purchases

If your local Family Dollar does not sell cigarettes, consider these alternatives:

• Convenience Stores and Gas Stations: These retailers almost always sell tobacco products and may price match or offer promotions.
• Pharmacies and Supermarkets: Some larger chains also sell cigarettes, though this is becoming less common due to corporate policies.
• Tobacco Shops: Specialty tobacco retailers often offer a wider selection, though prices may be higher.

How to Report Violations or Concerns

If you witness illegal tobacco sales to minors or have concerns about a Family Dollar location, you can:

• Contact the FDA: Report violations directly to the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.
• Use the FDA’s Compliance Check Database: Review inspection results and compliance history for retailers in your area. The database is accessible through the FDA’s official website.
• Notify Local Authorities: Your city or county health department may also handle tobacco sales complaints.

Summary

Family Dollar does sell cigarettes at many of its locations, often at lower prices than competing retailers [4] . However, availability depends on local laws and licensing, and some stores may temporarily suspend sales due to administrative issues [3] . The chain has faced significant regulatory scrutiny for high rates of illegal sales to minors, prompting calls for stronger compliance measures [1] [2] . Consumers should verify tobacco availability at their local store, be aware of age restrictions, and consider the broader public health implications of easy access to cheap cigarettes in vulnerable communities [4] .

References

[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Family Dollar Stores, Inc. – FDA Warning Letter. Official FDA correspondence regarding Family Dollar’s compliance with youth tobacco sales laws.

[2] Public Radio East. Family Dollar is more likely to sell tobacco to underage youth. News article summarizing ECU/Stanford study on Family Dollar’s violation rates.

[3] Lincoln County Record. Family Dollar resumes cigarette sales after licensing delay. Local news report on a Nevada store’s temporary suspension of cigarette sales.

[4] PubMed Central. Dollar stores and the availability of cheap cigarettes among tobacco priority populations. Peer-reviewed study on cigarette pricing and availability at dollar stores, including Family Dollar.