ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The cornerstone for the practice of all members of the pharmacy profession is “a prime concern for the welfare of the patient and other members of public”(RPSGB, 1999). Hence pharmacists have always considered themselves to be the guardians of the people with regard to drugs. As such they have been concerned about the inappropriate use of medicines which are sold “over the counter” (OTC) in their pharmacies. Indeed this concern is one of the main original arguments put forward to restrict medicine sales to pharmacies, rather than allow further products to become “General Sales List” and hence be available through any retail outlet such as supermarkets and garages.
