Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune Booked Again, This Time For Smoking Area Violation
Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune Booked Again, This Time For Smoking Area Violation
Bengaluru: One8 Commune, the upscale pub and restaurant owned by cricketer Virat Kohli, has once again landed in legal trouble. The Cubbon Park Police have registered a suo-motu case against the establishment for violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), citing the absence of a designated smoking area within the premises.
According to police, a surprise inspection was conducted at the Kasturba Road outlet—just 200 metres from the police station—by a team led by Sub-Inspector Ashwini G, following a tip-off. The inspection revealed that the pub did not have a dedicated smoking zone, which is mandatory under Sections 4 and 21 of COTPA. As a result, the manager and staff were booked for non-compliance.
This action is part of a wider crackdown in Bengaluru, where authorities are ramping up enforcement of public health and safety regulations. Police have also initiated awareness campaigns, urging shopkeepers and commercial establishments to secure proper licences from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for selling tobacco products. Non-compliant businesses have been warned of strict legal action.
Repeat Offender
This isn’t the first time One8 Commune has faced regulatory scrutiny. In July 2024, it was among three Central Business District establishments booked for operating past legal hours and playing loud music, prompting complaints from local residents.
In December 2024, the BBMP also issued a notice to the pub for operating without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department. Located on the sixth floor of the Ratnams Complex, the establishment reportedly lacked adequate fire safety measures. Despite being served notice, the restaurant failed to respond, leading to further legal warnings.
With multiple violations already on record, One8 Commune is now facing mounting pressure from civic and law enforcement agencies to comply with public safety norms.
