Melbourne tobacconist firebombings spark insurance denial for nearby businesses

Small businesses located near tobacconists in Melbourne are being denied insurance or priced out of coverage as rising arson attacks turn neighbouring shops into collateral damage, according to The Guardian. The problem has intensified following a spate of firebombings, including a recent Richmond blaze that destroyed a tobacco retailer and damaged nearly a dozen neighboring shops, requiring 80 firefighters to contain.

The attacks are linked to the illegal tobacco trade and are causing revenue and reputation problems for businesses near targeted tobacconists.