The proprietors of Collingwood’s Bendigo Hotel are alleging three arsonists lit a fire in the bathrooms of the beloved venue. According to a post on the hotel’s Facebook page, “two dudes and girl… lit a full on fire in our venue toilets last night”.

“[The fire] could have killed all of the staff, patrons, backpackers upstairs and burnt the bar to the ground had our owner not walked past just in time to grab the extinguisher and put it out before the roof caught,” they continued.

“If anyone knows them, please pass on the message that they are welcome re: us not calling the police and to kindly never show their smug faces near the Bendigo again. Also probably don’t let them into your venues if you don’t want them blown up.”

A staff member at the venue confirmed to The Music that no major damage had been sustained and the hotel was operating as usual today.

The owners insist, “We’re pretty relaxed about shit here but that was way too far to be funny.” Readers can check the Facebook post below for security camera images of the alleged arsonists. Tone Deaf will have more details on this story as it develops.

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