Virat Kohli’s popular pub and restaurant, One8 Commune in Bengaluru, is once again facing legal scrutiny.
This time trouble is for failing to maintain a designated smoking area as mandated by law.
The Cubbon Park Police registered a suo motu case against the establishment for violating provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Specifically, the pub has been booked under Sections 4 and 21, which permit designated smoking zones in specific public places such as restaurants, hotels, and airports.
The case was filed on Saturday as part of a broader initiative by Bengaluru City Police to tighten enforcement around public smoking regulations.
The timing of the action is notable, as it follows closely on the heels of a major decision by the Karnataka government. The state recently enacted stricter anti-tobacco laws, including a complete ban on hookah bars and raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21. The new measures were enacted through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Act, 2024, which recently received presidential approval.
This isn’t the first time One8 Commune has come under official scrutiny.
In June of last year, authorities filed a case against the venue for operating beyond the permitted hours. Later in December, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a notice following a complaint that flagged fire safety issues and the absence of a clearance certificate from the Fire Department.