In the UK, a tequila bar owner is trying to avoid the country’s strict COVID-19 restrictions by registering his bar as a church.
The 34-year-old James Aspell shared photos on social media as he submitted his application to make his bar, called “400 Rabbits Tequila and Mezcal Cocktail Bar” – which can be found in Nottingham – an official place of meeting for religious worship. In the photo, he was smiling and giving the thumbs-up while he was mailing the application form.
For the application to get authorized, he needs people to sign up and say that they are part of his religious group – registering as “bunny believer” or “reverend of the righteous rabbits.”
He complained and explained on Facebook that in the United Kingdom, due to the coronavirus, there are strict restrictions, which would only allow him to serve takeout if he sold food. In his post, he wrote that places of worship are allowed to open in all tiers then he thought to start a religion. At the end of the post, he also added, “Congregation daily till late.”
According to the report, Aspell told that this started as a joke, but now it became serious because he is angry at the hypocritical restrictions.
James Aspell opened his bar five years ago and said that he is the busiest this time of the year, but now he is sitting at home and putting up his Christmas decorations. Furthermore, he added, even if his application gets approved, he will not be allowed to serve alcohol, although he hopes to have some fun in a different way.
Many people reacted to his Facebook post. Rebecca Barker wrote that she wants to worship at the church of Mezcal. Ken Scott commented that this the only religion he would get on board with, and he hopes and prayers for salvation and delicious drinks. George Maroda Phillips said that Aspell might just have saved 2020.