Bengaluru: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s OneEight community pub in Bengaluru is in legal trouble again. This time, action has been taken against them for violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

A case has been registered against them for not having a designated smoking area as per the law at this pub located on Kasturba Road.

Based on a tip-off, the Cubbon Park police conducted a surprise raid at this pub on Kasturba Road. An inspection led by Sub-Inspector Ashwini G found that the pub was not following the public health guidelines on smoking. A suo motu case has been registered under sections 4 and 21 of COTPA.

As per the law, smoking must either be completely banned in all public places including restaurants and pubs or a designated, clearly marked and ventilated area must be provided for smoking. Neither of these two requirements was met at OneEight Community.

The drive is part of an ongoing citywide enforcement drive to ensure that commercial establishments comply with the Tobacco Control Act. The authorities are also conducting an awareness drive, urging businesses to obtain the proper licenses from the Bengaluru Metropolitan City Corporation (BBMP) to sell tobacco products. Officials have warned that strict legal action will be taken if the rules are not followed.

Previous Violations

This is not the first time that OneEight Community has faced legal trouble. The BBMP had earlier sent a notice to the establishment, alleging that it was operating without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department, which raised concerns about fire safety.

In July 2024, a case was registered against the pub for violating the time limit as it was seen serving customers 20 minutes after the legally permitted closing time of 1:00 am, i.e. 1:20 am.

With repeated violations being brought to the fore, officials have stressed the need to set the standard for high-quality venues and strictly adhere to public safety norms.