{
  "id": 8531774,
  "title": "As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/as-tobacconist-firebombings-intensify-in-melbourne-nearby-stores-are-8531774",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-19T20:00:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian",
    "slug": "the-guardian",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/20/tobacco-shops-attacks-melbourne-ntwnfb"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Small businesses near tobacconists in Melbourne are facing difficulties in obtaining insurance due to a surge in arson attacks related to the illegal tobacco trade. These attacks are causing not only financial losses but also damaging the reputation of neighbouring businesses.\n\nA recent firebombing incident in Richmond, Melbourne, destroyed a tobacco retailer and nearly a dozen nearby shops, requiring 80 firefighters to contain the blaze. This incident is part of a larger trend of arson attacks that are affecting businesses in the area.\n\nAs a result, small businesses located near tobacconists are being denied insurance or are being priced out of coverage, according to The Guardian.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "As tobacconist firebombings intensify in Melbourne, nearby stores are being denied insurance",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/as-tobacconist-firebombings-intensify-in-melbourne-nearby-stores-are",
        "published": "2026-09-19T20:00:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}