Virat Kohli’s pub in Bengaluru ‘violates’ fire safety rules, receives notice-Telangana Today

The restaurant, located on the sixth floor of the Ratnam complex, is reportedly operating without a no-objection certificate from the fire department.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru civic body Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a notice to cricketer Virat Kohli’s pub ‘One8 Commune’ over alleged fire safety violations.

The restaurant, located on the sixth floor of the Ratnam Complex on the upscale MG Road near the Chinnaswamy International Cricket Stadium, is reportedly operating without a no-objection certificate from the fire brigade. Earlier, a notice was issued on November 29 regarding the complaint of social activists HM Venkatesh and Kunigal Narasimhamurthy.

However, no response has been received to date. Now, the BBMP has been given a seven-day deadline, and if clarification is lacking this time also, legal action will be initiated against the said pub, said the notice issued by the Shanthinagar divisional health officer of the BBMP.

Complainant Venkatesh said, “Many restaurants, bars and pubs located in high-rise buildings in Bangalore are operating without any fire safety measures in place. In the past, fire incidents in Bangalore have resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. For example, during the Carlton Towers fire caused by a short circuit, people jumped from the building in an attempt to save their lives.

“To prevent such incidents, BBMP and the fire service have conducted audits. They identified several buildings lacking proper fire safety measures and issued rules stating that licenses should not be granted to such buildings and operations should not be allowed in such premises,” Venkatesh demanded.

Earlier, in July, an FIR was registered against One8 Commune for operating after the 1 am deadline. The FIR said that the establishment was open and serving customers at 1:20 am, which was beyond the permitted timing.