Bengaluru’s One8 Commune, a pub and restaurant owned by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, is once again facing legal trouble. The Cubbon Park Police have filed a suo motu case against the establishment for allegedly violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) by operating without a designated smoking area. A case has been registered under Sections 4 and 21 of the COTPA for the lack of a designated smoking area within the premises.
Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Ashwini G. conducted a surprise inspection at the pub, which is located on Kasturba Road just 200 metres from the police station. Following the checks, the manager and staff were booked for non-compliance.
Has One8 Commune faced trouble in past?
This isn’t the first time One8 Commune has come under scrutiny. In July 2024, the same police station had registered an FIR against the venue for operating beyond the permitted hours. The pub was reportedly open past 1 AM and playing loud music, which drew noise complaints from nearby residents. It was one of three popular establishments in the city’s Central Business District to be pulled up for similar violations at the time.
Later, in December, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a notice to One8 Commune for operating without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department. The pub, located on the sixth floor of Ratnams Complex, allegedly lacked essential fire safety provisions. The issue came to light after a complaint by a local social activist, prompting BBMP officials from the Shantinagar zone to inspect the premises.
Despite earlier notices, the management reportedly failed to respond, leading to renewed warnings of legal action. The latest enforcement move is part of a broader citywide crackdown aimed at ensuring compliance with public health and safety norms.
