Calm The Pharm Podcast

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into two essential requirements related to pharmacy location rules, aimed at helping pharmacy owners navigate legal standards. This episode is part three of their ongoing series, continuing to build on previous discussions.

The first requirement focuses on ensuring that the proposed pharmacy premises are accessible to the public. While this may seem straightforward, the stipulation is that access must be granted to the general public, not limited to specific groups. For instance, a pharmacy situated within a hospital may restrict access to hospital patients only, which would not satisfy the requirement.

The second key requirement is that the pharmacy must be prepared to commence operations within six months following the authority's recommendation regarding the application. For instance, if a recommendation is made on February 1st, the pharmacy should be operational by August 1st. This timeline includes ensuring that lease agreements, fit-out plans, and supporting evidence align with this six-month window.

Sarah wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, where she will continue to provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of running a pharmacy business.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into the critical requirement of having a legal right to occupy the premises when making an application under the Pharmacy Location Rules.

Attention to detail is paramount in ensuring compliance with the necessary pharmacy location rules. Having the correct, legally binding right to occupy at the time of the application is a critical component for successful navigation of the application process. As always, reaching out for legal advice can provide clarity and ease when preparing the necessary documentation.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In the first episode of Calm the Pharm podcast for 2026, host Sarah Stoddart outlines essential legal requirements for pharmacy location applications, focusing on the general requirements applicable to all pharmacy location rules. The discussion centers around two main conditions that must be met for pharmacy premises approval.

1. Non-Approved Premises:

The first requirement states that, at all relevant times, the proposed premises must not be classified as "approved premises."

2. Public Access Restrictions:

The second requirement specifies that the proposed pharmacy must not be directly accessible by the public from within a supermarket. To comply, applicants have to demonstrate that there is no direct passage from the supermarket to the pharmacy without going outside. The podcast clarifies the definition of "direct access" and distinguishes public access from other access points.

The podcast also defines what constitutes a supermarket, emphasising that it refers to a retail store primarily focused on selling a wide range of grocery items and that does not include specialty health food lines, departmental stores, or cafes.

Overall, this episode serves as a practical guide for pharmacy owners navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules process, emphasising the importance of understanding and satisfying these foundational legal criteria.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses a critical concern for pharmacy owners: what happens when a landlord sells the property where the pharmacy operates. Many businesses lease their premises, and when ownership changes hands, it can cause anxiety for tenants about the implications for their leases and relationships with new landlords.

To safeguard their pharmacies amidst such transitions, Sarah recommends several strategies.

Ultimately, Sarah encourages pharmacy owners to take proactive steps in understanding and strengthening their leasing agreements to ensure stability, even in the face of property ownership changes. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listener feedback and encourages subscriptions to the podcast for ongoing legal insights specific to pharmacy businesses.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical aspects of subleasing for pharmacy owners in Australia. She emphasises that most pharmacy businesses operate under a lease agreement, typically with a third-party landlord or through ownership via structures like self-managed superannuation funds. The focus here is on understanding the complexities and legalities of subleasing to a third party tenant.

The podcast underscores the importance of a legal and structured approach to subleasing in the pharmacy business. Owners need to ensure compliance with their head lease, prepare the necessary documentation, and understand the implications of subleasing agreements thoroughly.

By providing these insights, the episode aims to empower pharmacy business owners to navigate the complexities of subleasing confidently and legally.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the "Calm the Pharm" podcast, the focus is on the Pharmacy Industry Award, which governs the employment conditions for many working in the community pharmacy sector. Understanding this award is crucial for pharmacy business owners and managers, as it lays out key employment obligations. The episode summarizes six essential aspects of the award.

1. Exclusions from the Award

2. Minimum Wage Requirements

3. Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs)

4. Annual Leave Loading

5. Rostering Guidelines

6. Superannuation Obligations

The discussion emphasises the complexities of managing employment obligations and the potential consequences of non-compliance, including financial penalties and damage to employer-employee relationships. Employers are encouraged to seek legal advice for better navigation and management of their obligations under the Pharmacy Industry Award.

The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out with any questions they may have regarding the award or related topics.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical distinctions between partnership and shareholding structures for pharmacy businesses. Building on last week’s focus on company structures, she clarifies common misconceptions regarding these ownership models and emphasises the importance of structured legal agreements.

A partnership involves two or more individuals or companies collaborating for a shared business goal. The partners own the business jointly, with shared profits, liabilities, and management according to their partnership agreement—though this agreement is not legally mandatory, it is highly recommended to avoid misunderstandings. Partners, regardless of their share percentage, hold unlimited liability for the business’s debts, meaning their personal assets may be at risk in case of financial issues.

In contrast, a shareholding arrangement revolves around individuals owning shares in a company, where the company itself holds assets and operates the business. Shareholders benefit from the company’s operations and usually have limited liability, meaning they are only accountable for the amount they’ve invested in shares. Therefore, their personal assets are typically protected from the company's obligations.

Sarah outlines three key differences between the two structures:

1. Exposure to Liability

2. Profit Sharing and Distribution

3. Ease of Continuity and Transferability

Understanding these differences is vital for pharmacy owners as they assess their business structures and make informed decisions. By grasping the nuances of partnership versus shareholding arrangements, business owners can effectively safeguard their financial interests and ensure smoother operations.

The episode concludes with Sarah encouraging listeners to carefully consider their ownership structure and its implications, with a reminder to tune in for the next episode focused on further practical advice for pharmacy business operations.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical decision of selecting the right business structure for pharmacists venturing into pharmacy ownership. She emphasises the importance of making this decision carefully as it can significantly impact taxation, personal liability, funding options, and the future sale of the business.

Stoddart outlines three primary business structures: sole trader, partnership, and company. Each structure has its advantages and trade-offs.

Key considerations for pharmacy owners include:

- Ownership Rules: Understanding state-specific legislation governing pharmacy ownership.

- Share Structure: Determining the distribution and rights associated with shares, especially important in pharmacy businesses due to regulatory constraints.

- Directors' Duties: Knowing the legal responsibilities, including care, diligence, and conflicts of interest.

- Exit Strategies: Planning for the future sale or transfer of the business, which is crucial for multi-shareholder companies and should be outlined in a shareholder's agreement.

- Financial Planning: Consulting accountants on profit distribution, salaries, and dividends, ensuring clarity on financial matters.

- Seeking Professional Assistance: Engaging a lawyer for legal setup and compliance, and possibly a business advisor to align structures with growth objectives.

In conclusion, Sarah states that selecting an appropriate structure can provide protection, flexibility, and credibility for pharmacy owners, laying a solid foundation for their business journey. She encourages entrepreneurs to seek the necessary support as they start their pharmacy ventures.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart addresses the concept of walk-in, walk-out contracts within the context of business transactions. She distinguishes between two main types of contracts: walk-in, walk-out contracts and other business sale agreements which typically involve additional elements like stock, adjustments, and employee entitlements.

Sarah emphasises the need for buyers to understand the implications of a walk-in, walk-out contract fully. Any ambiguity could lead to disputes or misaligned expectations after the transaction has taken place. Clear communication and proper review of the contract are essential to ensure that the intention is accurately reflected.

In summary, a walk-in, walk-out contract means what you see is what you get - the purchase price covers everything and nothing more. For those considering entering such an agreement, it’s vital to determine the purchase price accurately, make sure all intentions are documented in the contract, and agree on the terms beforehand to avoid misunderstandings later on. Keeping these factors in check will enable pharmacy business owners to navigate these transactions with confidence.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the legal intricacies surrounding business names in Australia, focusing on registration, trading requirements, and the processes involved when selling or buying a business.

The episode emphasises the importance of understanding and managing business names correctly, outlining responsibilities for both sellers and buyers, while highlighting the need for proper procedures during the transfer of ownership. This knowledge aims to empower pharmacy owners to navigate the legal landscape confidently.

Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses. 

In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards. Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland.

www.vitalitylawaustralia.com

Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia

Facebook: Vitality Law Australia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/