A proposed overhaul of control of entry could “skew” the contract applications process against new pharmacies, a legal expert has warned.

Draft requirements for PCT documents that will determine future contracts could “protect” existing pharmacy service providers at the expense of new businesses, said David Reissner, a partner at law firm Charles Russell.

“There’s a danger that local input will result in protection of local interests and make it more difficult for anyone new to come in and secure a contract,” he said. “I think the result of the new regulations will be a reduction in the number of successful applications.”

Proposed legal regulations and guidance for PCTs on what they must include in pharmaceutical needs assessments (PNAs) were published by the Department of Health this month.

The draft regulations, if passed, will make it a legal requirement for PCTs to consult local stakeholders on the PNA during its development.