After claiming more than 1000 homes across the city, the Mr Fluffy asbestos scandal is now set to claim the popular cafe-come-pub.

While the business itself may rise again, the assessment of the loose-fill asbestos in the roof of the building has forced the government's hand.

As a result of the installation of the asbestos in the second-level ceiling above the pub some 50 years ago, the building at 1 Edgar Street will have to go.

The pub's owners, employees and patrons are already on a difficult journey already deeply felt by too many Canberrans, if moderated by the fact the pub is not a family home.

And the Mr Fluffy scandal may also claim the building next door, comprising 3,5 and 7 Edgar Street.

The assessment showed the asbestos has migrated into number 3, housing a newsagency and laundromat, while a positive sample was also found in number 5, housing a bakery.

It recommended both number 1 and 3 should be demolished within the next five years, but that the government could consider demolishing only the unoccupied top half of the number 1 building, with the possibility that next door could be cleaned.

It is unclear whether that will be enough and the demolition of 1 and 3 could impact the structural integrity of the number 5 and 7, so it remains to be seen what will be left standing in the long run.

The report also highlighted the poor state of the buildings' eaves and roofs, pointing out the potential for asbestos to migrate out of the building and onto the footpath, urging it be removed and the building be cleaned within six months.

It has long been believed the Inn may well have to be demolished, but the report has confirmed the suspicion.

With appropriate measures in place, cleaning all the affected buildings could potentially save the lower half of No 1, housing the pub and the building next door, but it is a big if.

While community safety must be paramount, the disruption to businesses and their patrons should be minimised as much as possible.

Other than a childcare centre that has been vacated, the pub is the first commercial premises known to be touched by Mr Fluffy requiring demolition.

The potential for creating precedents should be well considered before deciding on any specific course of action, something no doubt in the minds of all those involved.

In the meantime, the removal of the offending fibres must be progressed urgently and a thorough clean of all the buildings affected be completed.

Worksafe ACT commissioner Greg Jones said the asbestos is currently sealed in the ceilings of Nos 1 and 3, and in its current state, the substance poses no risk to occupants below.

Whatever happens, there is still a safe environment for a last hurrah at the pub in its current form.