Newsagents with shops next to or near tobacco shops are concerned for their own businesses in the event of an attack.
With so many attacks in recent months, I suspect all retailers near tobacco shops are concerned. An insurance broker I spoke with said it has to play out in terms of policy cost.
Just when we thought the culprits had been caught, more attacks came.
With most newsagents out of selling tobacco, many of us for more than 10 and 15 years, it’s nearby shops that are the concern, as they are potential targets. Illegal tobacco appears to be at the heart of the crime wave.
One of my shops has had a new tobacco shop open next door. It’s an odd looking business. Very open. dark. Inviting people deep in to purchase.
We have checked our preparedness, security and insurance. I think it makes sense for all Victorian newsagency businesses located next to or near a tobacco shop to do the same.
I know that what’s happening in Melbourne is causing worry for some local retailers. It’s best we focus our attention on that over which we do have control.
I am glad you raised this Mark as it’s been worrying me with a tobacco shop nearby. They sell from the front of the shop and from the back door. It gives the area a bad name but I daren’t complain because of what might happen. The fires that are happening suggest that the police are yet to get this under control.