CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, Theo Foukkare, says small businesses are in “limbo” as the tobacco war rages on in Melbourne.

76 stores including tobacco shops have been targeted since March last year, and Mr Foukkare told Jacqui Felgate he’s spoken to store owners who’ve had to close for up to five months post-firebombing.

“The cost of doing business, in particular for a small business today, is worse than it’s ever been,” he said on 3AW Drive.

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Co-owner of Lilijana Eatery on Bay St Port Melbourne, Christine Wong, opened the doors to her business three weeks ago and was caught up in the firebombing attack which happened two doors down from her on Monday.

Ms Wong told Jacqui Felgate her business has lost income for three days as a result of the attack.

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Images: Supplied