As one of the most recognizable convenience store chains in the world with over 70,000 locations across 17 countries, 711 is a frequent first stop for hungry customers and an attractive potential first job for eager teenagers. However, the company‘s widespread alcohol and tobacco sales mean that 18 is the magic number when it comes to employment eligibility at 711.
Unlike some service industry gigs popular with high schoolers like fast food or movie theaters, 711 exclusively hires adults in order to comply with strict regulations around selling restricted products. According to the federal government, all employees who handle or sell alcohol must be at least 18 years old in the US. The same national minimum age applies for selling tobacco products.
711 takes these rules very seriously. With hefty fines and even criminal penalties on the line for violations, the company can‘t afford to take chances by putting a 16-year-old behind the register. Staff must be 18 or older so they can legally carry out all aspects of the sales associate role.
"When you run a 24-hour operation that only has one person working at a time, it‘s crucial that any employee can perform any task at any moment," says Shaun Bridges, a former 711 store manager. "As a hiring manager, I always looked for candidates who met the age requirement first and foremost. There‘s no wiggle room there."
Alcohol and Tobacco Sales Drive Up Hiring Ages
The primary reason 711 won‘t hire workers under 18 is the huge chunk of revenue that comes from age-restricted items. After all, what‘s a late-night snack run without a six pack or a pack of smokes?
Alcohol in particular is a big moneymaker for convenience stores. A recent study from the National Association of Convenience Stores found that beer and malt beverages alone make up 35% of in-store sales at the average US convenience store. When you factor in wine and liquor, plus cigarettes and e-cigarettes, it‘s easy to see why 711 would want to avoid legal troubles in this area.
So just how many 711s actually sell alcohol and tobacco? The vast majority. Out of 711‘s approximately 9,500 locations in the United States, all but a small handful stock beer and cigarettes. The few outliers are usually in dry counties that prohibit alcohol sales altogether.
Even in the rare 711 that doesn‘t sell alcohol, the safest and simplest policy is to only employ adults to eliminate any confusion. Plus, an 18-year-old can pick up shifts at other nearby locations that do carry restricted products without an issue.
State Laws Add An Extra Layer of Complexity
If the alcohol and tobacco puzzle wasn‘t tricky enough, a patchwork of state-specific labor laws makes the industry picture even more complicated for major national retailers like 711.
While the federal government sets a baseline of 18 for alcohol and tobacco sales, many states have additional rules that raise that age threshold even higher. For example:
- In Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah, employees must be 21 or older to sell alcohol for on-site consumption at bars and restaurants.
- Oregon and New Jersey require workers to be at least 18 to stock shelves with alcohol, even if they‘re not directly selling it.
- Washington state mandates that all managers and supervisors at establishments that sell alcohol must be over 21.
The legal wrangling doesn‘t stop there. Some states make special exceptions that allow younger employees to serve or sell alcohol under specific circumstances:
- Maine permits 17-year-olds to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption as long as a supervisor over 21 is present.
- In Texas, 16 and 17-year-old waiters can serve alcohol at restaurants as long as the minor‘s on-premise guardian gives consent.
- A new law in Virginia lets retail stores use 16 and 17-year-old cashiers to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption.
For a company as large as 711 with stores in so many jurisdictions, it‘s simpler to set a blanket minimum hiring age of 18 across the board instead of navigating this tangled web of local regulations. Sticking to a strict adults-only policy is the lowest-risk way for 711 to stay compliant nationwide.
How 711 Stacks Up Against Other Major Employers
711 is far from alone in its approach to teenage workers. Most convenience store chains and gas stations follow the same playbook, especially in areas with tighter alcohol laws. A recent survey of hiring managers at national retailers found that 79% had a minimum age requirement of 18 or older for customer-facing roles.
This pattern holds true for many of 711‘s direct competitors. Circle K and Speedway both prominently list 18 as the minimum age to apply on their hiring websites. Some chains like Wawa and QuikTrip take it a step further and only employ those over 21.
Meanwhile, the majority of entry-level openings at clothing stores, supermarkets, and quick-service restaurants are open to 16-year-olds who meet certain criteria like obtaining a work permit if required by their state. A few big brands like Kroger, Target, and Chick-fil-A are also willing to hire 15-year-olds in a limited capacity.
What Does a 711 Sales Associate Actually Do?
So what does the typical 711 employee do all day? According to job descriptions, the primary duties of a sales associate include:
- Operating the cash register and handling transactions
- Assisting customers in the store and maintaining a neat, clean environment
- Receiving and stocking inventory
- Preparing food items like hot dogs, taquitos, and pizza
- Brewing coffee and making Slurpees
- Cleaning the store, parking lot, and restrooms
- Working overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts
On top of being at least 18, 711 looks for workers who have strong communication skills, a friendly attitude, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting. Basic math and computer skills are also key.
"We want go-getters who can keep the store running smoothly with minimal supervision," says Bridges. "When you‘re the only one there at 3 AM, you need to be ready for anything. It‘s a big responsibility."
The Future of Teenage Hiring at 711
711‘s minimum hiring age is unlikely to budge unless federal and state laws change, which doesn‘t seem probable in the current political climate. In fact, many states are moving in the opposite direction by raising minimum tobacco purchase ages to 21 to match alcohol.
However, the ongoing labor shortage has forced some retailers to get creative to attract younger workers. Dollar General recently announced plans to expand hiring events at high schools to recruit more 16 to 18-year-olds. Other chains are bumping up wages and adding perks like tuition reimbursement specifically aimed at student employees.
While 711 hasn‘t publicly changed course yet, Bridges suspects they may have to adapt eventually to stay competitive. "At the store level, I always wanted more applicants in that 18-20 range. They have more flexible schedules and you can pay them a bit less," he admits. "But it‘s harder than ever to hire right now with so many options out there. 711 might have to rethink some things."
Some possibilities could include special work-study partnerships with schools, offering scholarships, or providing management training opportunities to incentivize high schoolers to stick around until they turn 18. 711 has a vested interest in building a pipeline of engaged young talent.
Advice for Teenagers Seeking Employment
Until then, 711 will likely remain a no-go zone for the after school job crowd. But industrious teens still have plenty of options to gain valuable work experience and earn a paycheck before they‘re old enough for the hallowed aisles of the Slurpee kingdom.
"Target hustling gigs that are in high demand in your area," suggests Bridges. "Stuff like babysitting, tutoring, or mowing lawns shows initiative. Once you turn 16, getting your foot in the door at a restaurant or grocery store is huge because you learn customer service skills you can take anywhere."
For those dead set on a 711 gig, Bridges recommends building a resume of relevant experience to make you a top contender once you do hit that magic number. "If you come to me at 18 with solid references, a track record in retail, and open availability, you‘ll be my first call."
