Overview
- On May 31, the Cubbon Park Police filed a suo motu FIR against Bengaluru’s One8 Commune after a May 29 surprise inspection revealed no designated smoking area.
- The FIR invokes Sections 4 (prohibition of smoking in public places) and 21 (penalties for violations) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, targeting the pub’s manager and staff.
- This action formed part of a broader Bengaluru police campaign enforcing public smoking regulations, which led to raids on five bars and restaurants.
- One8 Commune was previously booked in July 2024 for operating beyond permitted hours and received a fire safety notice from the BBMP in December 2024.
- The enforcement follows the Karnataka government’s COTPA (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024, which raised the legal tobacco purchase age to 21 and increased fines for violations.