A suo moto case has been registered by the Cubbon Park Police against One8 Commune, a popular pub co-owned by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, for violating provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Authorities stated that the restaurant, located on MG Road in Bengaluru, does not have a designated smoking area, which is a legal requirement under Sections 4 and 21 of COTPA. The inspection and subsequent action were part of a broader enforcement initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with tobacco control regulations in public spaces.
The FIR was filed on May 31, following a routine check conducted by health inspectors and local police. As per the law, all hospitality establishments must provide clearly marked smoking zones away from common areas used by non-smokers.
This is not the first time One8 Commune has come under legal scrutiny. In 2024, the establishment faced a case for operating beyond permitted hours and was issued a notice for fire safety violations in December of the same year.
The Karnataka government has recently intensified its crackdown on tobacco law violations, with amendments to COTPA increasing the legal age for tobacco consumption from 18 to 21, along with stricter fines for establishments flouting the rules.
While Virat Kohli has not personally commented on the issue yet, the case has stirred media and public attention given his celebrity status and the pub’s popularity among Bengaluru’s nightlife crowd.
Health authorities have reiterated that the objective is not to target individuals or brands, but to enforce public health laws uniformly, particularly in high-footfall establishments.
As the investigation progresses, One8 Commune may be required to make structural changes or face penalties, depending on the findings.
