Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune in Bengaluru Faces Fresh Legal Trouble Over Tobacco Law Violation

Virat Kohli’s popular pub, One8 Commune in Bengaluru, is once again facing legal trouble. This time, the police have filed a case against the pub for not following India’s tobacco laws properly.

According to the Cubbon Park Police, the pub does not have a special smoking area, which is required under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Because of this, the manager and some staff members have been named in a police report.

This is not the first time One8 Commune has been in trouble. In July 2024, the pub was caught staying open later than allowed. It remained open till 1:30 am, even though the legal closing time is 1:00 am. Then in December 2024, Bengaluru’s city corporation (BBMP) gave the pub a notice for not having a fire safety clearance from the Fire Department.

Recently, Karnataka made its tobacco laws stricter. The fine for smoking in public has increased from ₹200 to ₹1,000. Also, the legal age to buy tobacco has been raised from 18 to 21. Hookah bars are no longer allowed to operate inside pubs, cafes, or any public places.

The police have been checking pubs and restaurants more closely to make sure they follow these new rules. So far, One8 Commune has not released any official statement about the latest case.

This repeated legal trouble shows how important it is for all businesses—big or small—to follow safety and health rules properly.