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

A fire-damaged tobacco store in Coburg in Melbourne’s north in 2024. Photograph: James Ross/AAP A fire-damaged tobacco store in Coburg in Melbourne’s north in 2024. Photograph: James Ross/AAP Business As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance Arson attacks related to illegal tobacco trade are also causing revenue and reputation problems for neighbouring businesses

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Prefer the Guardian on Google Small businesses located near tobacconists are being denied insurance or priced out of coverage as rising arson attacks turn neighbouring shops into collateral damage.

The problem has intensified after a spate of firebombings, which includes a recent Melbourne blaze that destroyed a Richmond tobacco retailer and nearly a dozen neighbouring shops, requiring 80 firefighters to contain.