IN THE pharmacy business, most would assume sales of medicines and other healthcare products would cover the rent.
However, one Irish pharmacy has turned to crowdfunding service, Patreon, to raise the cash required to keep its doors open.
Established in 1853, with an interior to match, Sweney's Pharmacy is a Dublin institution, featured in James Joyce's epic Ulysses, due to the famous lemon-scented soap made by the proprietors for generations.
Over the past 10 years the pharmacy (pictured) has transitioned from an active dispensary into a volunteer-run museum of pharmacy, attracting visitors from around the world.
While the store hasn't dispensed in a decade, the pharmacy was able to keep the landlord from the door through a combination of sales of the lemon soap and donations from visitors.
However, last Jul rent for the 11ft by 14ft pharmacy doubled to 1,500 ($2,365) a month, forcing the volunteers to come up with some creative solutions to ensure the doors stay open.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Apr 19
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