The Bengaluru police have initiated a suo-moto case against One 8 Commune, a popular pub and restaurant owned by renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, for violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). This action comes after a surprise inspection carried out by the Cubbon Park Police at the establishment located on Kasturba Road, just 200 meters from the police station.

Under Sections 4 and 21 of the COTPA, establishments like pubs, restaurants, and other public places are mandated to designate specific smoking zones to protect the health of non-smokers and maintain public safety. During the inspection, the police found that One 8 Commune did not have a dedicated smoking area within its premises, leading to the suo-moto registration of the case.

The police team, led by Sub-Inspector Ashwini G, took prompt action by booking the manager and staff of the pub for non-compliance with the law. The incident highlights the authorities' commitment to enforcing tobacco regulations strictly, especially in popular public venues.

This case is part of a broader enforcement drive across Bengaluru aimed at ensuring public health and safety norms are followed rigorously. Alongside policing tobacco use, the authorities have launched an awareness campaign to educate shopkeepers and commercial establishments about the importance of obtaining the necessary licenses from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to legally sell tobacco products.

The campaign warns that strict legal action will be taken against businesses that fail to comply with the licensing rules, further strengthening the regulatory framework governing tobacco use and sale in the city.

Bengaluru’s strict stance on tobacco laws is aligned with national public health goals and the government’s efforts to curb tobacco-related harms. The case against One 8 Commune serves as a strong message to other establishments to adhere strictly to COTPA provisions, particularly in popular and busy areas like Kasturba Road and Cubbon Park.

The incident involving a celebrity-owned pub like One 8 Commune has attracted significant media attention, bringing focus on the importance of tobacco regulation enforcement in public spaces, no matter the owner’s prominence.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) requires public establishments to maintain designated smoking zones to protect public health.

• The Bengaluru police's surprise inspection at One 8 Commune found non-compliance, leading to a suo-moto case and booking of the pub’s management.

• The government is running a wider awareness campaign to ensure businesses obtain necessary BBMP licenses for selling tobacco and comply with all public safety regulations.

This enforcement is a vital step toward a healthier, safer Bengaluru where tobacco-related harm is minimized, and public spaces remain compliant with legal health standards. The authorities continue to monitor establishments rigorously and will not hesitate to take action against violations.

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