This paper contributes to recent developments in the literature concerning the need to destabilise existing industries. Challenging established industries through policy can be politically difficult. The purpose of the paper is to draw lessons from examples of the policy-driven destabilisation of established industries and from that, gain a better understanding of which conditions deliberate destabilisation might be possible under. The analytical framework draws together insights from the multilevel perspective and policy process theory. Two historical cases are analysed: the introduction of tobacco control policies in the United States and the decision to close down coal mines in the Netherlands. In its concluding sections, the paper discusses factors that lead to network change, particularly attending to how tensions within key organisations may lead to changes in alliances and thus provide opportunities for phase-out policies.