The Sporting Globe arson attack still being investigated with beer garden closed until May

A suspected arson attack that has closed a popular Geelong beer garden is still being investigated as fresh details emerged over what might have happened.

Mystery surrounds a suspected arson attack that will keep a popular CBD beer garden closed until at least May, as fresh details emerged over what might have happened.

Geelong CIU, arson and explosive police are still probing the Boxing Day night blaze at The Sporting Globe after initially fearing it may have been a case of mistaken identity linked to Melbourne’s tobacco wars.

It’s understood detectives have looked into claims the attackers hit the wrong target believing the Union St section of the pub was a Tobacco Station Group (TSG) outlet. 

Several TSG stores have been destroyed in Victoria’s gangland battle for control over the cigarette black market.

The subsequent blaze at the Ryrie St venue, in the early hours of December 27, caused major damage.

A “TSG” franchise logo at the Union St entrance can still be seen charred.

Signs of fire are still visible from the side entrance to the Sporting Globe. Picture: Alison Wynd

Victoria Police did not comment on the investigation but confirmed it was ongoing.

No arrests have been made.

Sporting Globe owner and chief executive, James Sinclair, said the damage bill and lost revenue from the beer garden’s closure had been substantial.

He said he wasn’t expecting it to relaunch until May.

“It has been very frustrating with trade as the beer garden is hugely important for us, especially with the footy back,” he said.

“Our sprinkler system worked so perfectly it has damaged all the tech.

“We thought we’d be back up and running a lot quicker but all the electrical stuff requires a lot of work.”

It comes as several other convenience stores, retailers and properties have accidentally found themselves in the crosshairs of thugs amid the raging illicit trade wars.

In January, Katie Tangey, 27, and her family dog were killed in a targeted arson attack while she was house-sitting for her brother in Truganini.

It’s believed she was a victim of mistaken identity.

Gas bottles were among the burned items outside the Sporting Globe after a fire overnight. Picture: Alison Wynd

Tobacco stores in Belmont, Lara, Geelong, Norlane, Thomson and Whittington have all been set alight.

Meanwhile more than $400,000 of illegal smokes and vapes were seized from a Corio store and four people arrested in September.

Tobacco shops in Norlane and Drysdale, with established connections to the Comanchero outlaw bikie gang and other organised syndicates, were also raided in December.

Three people were arrested.

[e-mail]

Originally published as The Sporting Globe arson attack still being investigated with beer garden closed until May