Cricketer Virat Kohli’s popular restaurant-bar chain, One8 Commune, has once again landed in legal trouble. This time for violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The Cubbon Park Police registered a suo motu FIR against the establishment on May 31.

They cited the absence of a designated smoking area. This is a mandatory requirement for commercial outlets allowing smoking on the premises. The FIR, filed under Sections 4 and 21 of COTPA, followed an inspection. The inspection was conducted during a police drive on May 29. It aimed at cracking down on smoking-related violations in public spaces.

No Smoking Zone, A Clear Violation

According to police reports, the inspection revealed that the pub, located near Kasturba Road and MG Road in central Bengaluru, lacked a demarcated smoking area. This constitutes a direct violation of Section 4 of the Act. This act prohibits smoking in public places, and Section 21, outlines penalties for such infractions.

The complaint has been filed against the manager and staff of One8 Commune, not against Virat Kohli personally.

Repeated Offences Within a Year

Well, this isn’t the first compliance issue for the high-profile establishment. One8 Commune has faced three legal actions in less than a year :

1. In July 2024, the manager was booked for keeping the restaurant open beyond the 1 AM curfew, allegedly operating until 1:30 AM.

2. In December 2024, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a notice for the lack of fire safety clearance.

3. Now, in May 2025, the outlet is under scrutiny for violating COTPA norms.

Stricter Laws Under New Karnataka Tobacco Control Policy

The latest action against One8 Commune comes just a day after the Karnataka government notified amendments to the COTPA (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024. The revised law:

1. Raises the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21 years

2. Expands the definition of “use” of tobacco to include both smoking and spitting in public places

3. Increases penalties for violations from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000

4. Designated smoking areas remain permissible only in hotels with over 30 rooms, restaurants with a seating capacity exceeding 30, and at airports.

About One8 Commune

Launched in 2017 as part of Virat Kohli’s One8 brand. One8 Commune began as a collaboration with Puma and later expanded into the food and beverage space. The first restaurant opened in Delhi, and the brand has since launched outlets in Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, and most recently Hyderabad.

Despite its commercial success, the chain’s repeated run-ins with regulatory authorities raise questions about its compliance track record in some cities.

The Cubbon Park Police continue to investigate the latest case. Legal proceedings will determine the penalties applicable to One8 Commune and its staff under the provisions of the amended COTPA laws.