POLICE are searching for a fedora-wearing man accused of robbing a Sandy Bay pharmacy while armed with a knife.

Issuing a statement this afternoon, Hobart CIB Detective Inspector Adrian Bodnar said the man bought flu medication at the Terry White Chemist in Sandy Bay about 2pm yesterday before returning about two hours later and threatening a staff member with a box cutter.

The man demanded prescription drugs before fleeing on foot. He was last seen heading down Sandy Bay Rd past the World’s End pub.

The staff member was not physically hurt during the robbery.

Police described the offender as being his mid to late 20s and about 180cm tall with a medium to stocky build.

He had a full brown beard, shoulder-length curly brown hair and was wearing blue jeans, a red scarf, black fedora hat, and white and blue sneakers.

The man was carrying a purple backpack adorned with Simpsons cartoon characters.

Anyone who may have seen the man or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestopperstas.com.au.