THE COURT SUPPORTED THE FAS MEASURES TO PROTECT CITIZENS AND SMALL BUSINESSES WHEN APPROVING PREFERENCES FOR ST. PETERSBURG PHARMACIES

In 2021, the Property Relations Committee of St. Petersburg applied to FAS with a statement of consent to the provision of state preferences to the pharmacy chain. It was about the transfer of non-residential premises for rent for a period of 10 years to open pharmacies.

FAS approved the granting of preferences with a number of restrictions. These included reducing the duration of the preference to 1 year, using premises exclusively for the purpose of protecting the health of citizens, and banning the opening of new pharmacies by the retail chain within the borders of St. Petersburg during the duration of the preference.

Besides, FAS obliged the retail chain to sell at least two medicines in pharmacies in each category from the minimum assortment necessary for medical care.

The Property Relations Committee did not agree with the restrictions and appealed it, however, the Moscow Arbitration Court took the side of FAS and refused to satisfy the applicant's claims in full.