A bar has applied to be classed as a church in a bid to get around coronavirus restrictions.
400 Rabbits in Nottingham, which is currently under tier 3, ordinarily operates as a tequila bar.
Under tier three, hospitality venues can only offer takeaway and deliveries. Place of worships however can welcome visitors from the same household or support bubble.
In an interview with BBC News, the owner of the bar, Mr Aspell, talked about the application he made to the registrar general which will allow him to reopen the bar as The Church of 400 Rabbits.
Mr Aspell said, “It’s tongue-in-cheek but it’s come from a serious place.”
“We think the tier restrictions announced last week and how they’re targeted at hospitality businesses like mine seems incredibly unfair. It could be months before we’re allowed to open again.”
He added, “We looked at the list of every business or venue that’s allowed to open under the new system and it said pretty much every other type of business apart from bars and restaurants.”
“We sent in all the information requested in the application form – the layout of the building and the timetable of what we’re doing etc. Then you need to prove you have a congregation – I think the minimum is 20 households – so that’s the next step.”