How does Hong Kong law distinguish between “Part I poisons” and “Part II poisons”? What does this mean for my choice of licence?

In Hong Kong, the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations divide regulated Western medicines (i.e. “poisons”) into two main categories. Part I poisons (Part 1 Poisons) are the most strictly regulated category and generally include all prescription medicines (such as antibiotics and antihypertensive medicines), as well as certain medicines that must be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist (such as cough mixtures containing codeine). These medicines may only be sold by an Authorised Seller of Poisons (ASP) (a pharmacy) with a registered pharmacist on the premises, on a doctor's prescription or under a pharmacist's supervision. Part II poisons (Part 2 Poisons) are less strictly regulated non-prescription medicines, commonly known as “over-the-counter medicines”, such as most cold and flu medicines and pain relief tablets. These medicines may be sold by a pharmacy or by a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) (a medicine shop) with only a “qualified person” on the premises. This classification therefore directly determines your choice of retail licence: if you wish to sell Part I poisons, you must operate a pharmacy; if you sell only Part II poisons, a medicine shop is sufficient.