Committee reports bill to exempt pharmacies from certain business-hour limits

The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reported bill 250805 favorably on a voice vote, advancing language that would amend chapter 9-600 of the Philadelphia Code to exempt pharmacies from certain business-hour restrictions.

Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy of the Philadelphia Police Department testified in support, saying, “Pharmacies are not just retail businesses. They are essential health care providers,” and arguing that limiting hours could delay access to “life-saving medication and critical health services.” Healy told the committee that exempting pharmacies would balance neighborhood quality of life with access to care.

The amendment cited in the hearing would exempt pharmacies “as defined under section 4 of the Pennsylvania Pharmacy Act” from the business-hour limitations that currently apply to some commercial establishments. Healy said the change is intended to protect people who need prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or health consultations outside of traditional business hours, including night-shift workers and caregivers.

There were no public witnesses registered to oppose bill 250805 at the hearing, and committee members asked no substantive questions of the police witness. Council member Scuilla moved to report the bill with a favorable recommendation and to suspend council rules to permit first reading at the next session; Council member Gilmore Richardson seconded the motion, which carried on the ayes.

The committee’s action forwards bill 250805 to the full council for first reading; the motion included suspension of council rules to place the bill on the next council session agenda.