Virat Kohli's Bengaluru Pub "One8 Commune" Faces Charges Over Smoking Zone Violations
Cricketer Virat Kohli's "One8 Commune" pub and restaurant in Bengaluru has been charged by Cubbon Park Police for violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). A suo-moto case was registered against the establishment for allegedly not having a designated smoking zone as required by law. This isn't the first time the popular pub has encountered regulatory issues.
Unpacked:
One8 Commune allegedly violated Sections 4 and 21 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which pertain to prohibiting smoking in public places and requirements for designated smoking zones, respectively.
Yes, One8 Commune has previously faced regulatory issues, including being cited for operating beyond permissible hours. An FIR was registered against the pub for running past 1 am, violating local operational regulations.
Penalties for violating COTPA can include fines and temporary closure of the establishment. For breaching operational hours, the Karnataka Police Act can impose additional fines, and repeat violations may lead to stricter actions such as license suspension.
Regulatory actions against pubs in Bengaluru are fairly common, especially for violations like operating beyond allowed hours and non-compliance with public smoking regulations. Multiple pubs, including One8 Commune, have been booked for similar offenses in recent months.