Guidelines on the Premises Requirements of a Retail Pharmacy Business

The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate compliance with the requirements of the Pharmacy Act 2007 and the Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 488 of 2008) in relation to the premises that are to be used for operating a retail pharmacy business, commonly referred to as a pharmacy.

These guidelines are intended to assist pharmacy owners (those applying to open a pharmacy and owners of existing pharmacies), as well as superintendent and supervising pharmacists, in ensuring that their premises meet required standards and with planning for changes in their premises such as refurbishments.

The Regulation of Retail Pharmacy Businesses Regulations 2008, in particular, sets out the various responsibilities of pharmacy owners in respect of pharmacy staff, premises, equipment and procedures. In that respect, pharmacy owners must ensure that the premises are fit for purpose and appropriately equipped and staffed and that the required governance arrangements are in place at all times so as to adequately protect the health, safety and convenience of patients, the public and staff.

These guidelines outline the minimum requirements relating to the premises of all existing pharmacies as well as for planned new pharmacy openings. Pharmacy owners and their superintendent and supervising pharmacists are required to operate the pharmacy in compliance with these guidelines and must ensure that these minimum standards are met