As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance

1 source in this cluster

• The Guardian
  As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance

  <p>Arson attacks related to illegal tobacco trade are also causing revenue and reputation problems for neighbouring businesses</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/sep/20/australia-news-live-labor-coalition-fuel-petrol-prices-anthony-albanese-pauline-hanson-one-nation-immigration-angus-taylor-police-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Small businesses located near tobacconists are being denied insurance or priced out of coverage as rising arson attacks turn neighbouring shops into collateral damage.</p><p>The problem has intensified after a spate of firebombings, which <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/firefighters-battle-inner-melbourne-blaze-across-10-shops-after-ram-raid/nj5lzqpwf?utm_source=gemini">includes a recent Melbourne blaze </a>that destroyed a Richmond tobacco retailer and nearly a dozen neighbouri

  Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:00:57 GMT

Timeline

1. 2026-09-19 20:00The Guardian — As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance