Pharmacy Ownership Laws — Europe

Pharmacy ownership laws are more prevalent in Europe.  Eleven of the 27 European Union member states (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain) do not allow non-pharmacists to hold a majority stake in pharmacies.   

Some countries, such as Spain, allow licensed pharmacists to own only a single store and place geographic and demographic requirements on the pharmacy's location.  Other European countries allow pharmacists to own more than one store.  In Germany, for example, a licensed pharmacist may own up to 4 stores.  

In 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) upheld pharmacy ownership requirements in its member states.  The ECJ ruled that, although these laws restrict the freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital, they are justified because they ensure safe and high quality medical services.  "Where there is uncertainty as the existence or extent of risks to human health, it is important that a Member State should be able to take protective measures without having to wait until the reality of those risks becomes fully apparent," said the ECJ in a press release on the ruling.

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European Court of Justice Press Release on Ruling