Virat Kohli's One 8 Commune pub in Bengaluru lands in trouble, booked for absence of a designated smoking area

Virat Kohli's Bengaluru pub, One8 Commune, has landed in legal trouble as Cubbon Park Police filed a suo motu case for violating the COTPA Act, citing the absence of a designated smoking area within the premises.

This is not the first time the pub has landed in trouble. Last year, the Bengaluru civic body had issued a notice to the former Indian captain's on a complaint alleging fire safety violations. The pub, located on the sixth floor of Ratnams Complex on Kasturba Road near the Chinnaswamy stadium, had been alleged of operating without implementing mandated fire safety measures or obtaining a fire department clearance certificate.

The management of One8 Commune had allegedly failed to respond or take corrective action despite previous notice. The civic body had given the establishment a 7-day deadline to provide an explanation, warning of legal action if compliance is not ensured.

In June last year, the Bengaluru Police had registered an FIR against One8 Commune, along with other establishments on MG Road, for operating beyond the stipulated time.

The pub was found to be open until 1.30 am, beyond the permitted closing time of 1 am, the FIR alleged. The police action was based on complaints about loud music being played in the area late at night.

The Bengaluru branch of One8 Commune was inaugurated in December 2023. It has branches in other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.