Melbourne's hospitality sector rocked by fresh wave of attacks
Three teenagers have been charged in connection with the second firebombing of Melbourne CBD cocktail bar Bar Bambi in the space of a week, as authorities investigate a further arson attack on a South Yarra licensed venue and a separate drive-by shooting.
City of Melbourne surveillance operators identified a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Flinders and AC/DC lanes at approximately 5am on Saturday, prompting a police response that found the front of Bar Bambi ablaze.
Officers apprehended two alleged offenders during a foot pursuit, with a third detained in a nearby laneway shortly afterwards. Three boys — aged 17 from Darebin, 16 from Hume, and 15 from Merri-bek — have since been charged with criminal damage by fire, burglary and theft of a motor vehicle, among other offences. All three are expected to face a children's court at a later date.
The arrests relate to the second attack on Bar Bambi in a single week. The first occurred on April 18, when a group of men forced entry into the venue and attempted to ignite a fire before fleeing the scene.
Investigators are now examining a further incident at Bar Up on Chapel Street, South Yarra, where a blaze broke out just before 5am on Sunday. According to a Victoria Police spokeswoman, emergency services received reports that a male offender started the fire before fleeing on foot, causing "significant damage" to the building.
The venue was unoccupied at the time, though one man suffered smoke inhalation after attempting to extinguish the fire himself.
Separately, popular South Yarra bar and club The Emerson on Commercial Road was targeted in a drive-by shooting just before 2am on Sunday, when a vehicle allegedly pulled up outside before multiple shots were fired toward the venue. No injuries were reported and the occupants fled the scene. A section of Commercial Road between Porter and Izett streets remained closed to traffic on Sunday morning.
The attacks are part of a broader pattern that has shaken Melbourne's hospitality community. At least 19 attacks, including firebombings, shootings and attempted kidnappings, have been recorded across Melbourne venues since February 4, with operators describing conditions as increasingly untenable.
Jonathan Jackson, 27th April 2026
