The pandemic has made it difficult for some businesses to run, which is why this bar is getting creative by registering as a church to their customers

With everyone being in lockdown and not being able to go out, not a lot people have been able to offer up prayers to the 400 rabbit gods, and with 2020 being the hot mess that it is, a tequila joint in Nottingham, England is planning to change that and keep their business afloat, as well. 

England just got out of its second nation-wide lockdown as of December 2, and now implements a system where they have tiered restrictions. Nottingham currently sits on the highest risk, the tier 3 category, which states that businesses targeted towards hospitality will stay closed with the exception of delivery or takeout.

Church of 400 Rabbits is an Aztec-themed bar that has an extensive choice of tequila and an application to become a worship center that is currently waiting for approval from Nottingham’s registrar general.

This bar decided to mix spirits with spirituality in hopes that it can implement a loophole in the COVID-19 rules of England, which says that if you’re a church or a place of worship, groups from the same bubble or household can enter your business. 

After posting their application that will certify their bar to operate as a place of worship, Church of 400 Rabbits is now looking for devotees through their website.

People who are interested in becoming a Bunny Believer can do this for free, and with a small fee of $13, (£10), you can be ordained as a Reverend, with a t-shirt that you use as your official robes. 

James Aspell, owner of Church of 400 Rabbits isn’t too hopeful that Nottingham will consider the application, but says that it’s an attempt to show how ridiculous the tier system is and how some of the rules are contradictory.

He says that it’s difficult because the government insists on these strict rules but that there is little to no financial support. Aspell believes that even if they moved down to a tier 2, they wouldn’t be able to open without dishing out substantial meals, and adding that it’s another Scotch Egg debacle. 

For those of you that don’t know what a Scotch egg is, it’s a hard-boiled egg that is wrapped with sausage meat and breadcrumbs. After a lot of debate, it has been considered a substantial meal by Michael Gove, who came under fire when he described it as an appetizer. 

Church of 400 Rabbits isn’t the first business that tried to apply as a place of worship, as Atlantic Squash and Fitness Club also rebranded to Church of the Healthy Body to keep their gym open.

Aspell notes that the number of devotees for 400 Rabbits is multiplying rapidly, as rabbits would and has decided to donate all proceeds to a Nottingham homeless charity group. 

If you were planning to go to Jamaica for your next family vacation, you might want to reconsider. The U.S., along with several other countries, have issued travel warnings for the famously easygoing country. This was due in large part to a recent spike in violent crimes. Most recently, and Canadian couple was murdered while vacationing in St. Thomas.

Much of the recent crime has been tied to drug trafficking and various gangs. The numbers are staggering. In 2016 alone, there were 448 aggravated assaults, 481 rapes, 1,215 shootings, and 1,350 murders. This according to the stats reported by The U.S. State Department. These frightening numbers have led local authorities to issue a state of emergency. They have also implemented a temporary curfew and increase the military presence in the more dangerous areas. The travel advisory issued by the State Department on January 10 also applies to the areas of Montego Bay, Spanish Town, and Kingston.

Other countries that have issued similar travel warnings include Canada and The U.K. They also warned their travelers to avoid similar areas with higher crime rates, and to especially be extra careful when walking around at night. The U.K. warning also included instructions to stay within their resort as much as possible, and to only use the transportation provided by their resort or by the airport.

Naturally, Jamaica is worried about the economic effect these travel warnings have, as tourism brings in a great deal of money for them. They have assured travelers that it is still a safe vacation destination, thanks to the measures they have taken to combat the spike in crime.

In an interview with The Independent, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett said, “All members of the tourism fraternity have given their full support to the [increased security] measures and are feeling that these actions are welcome to ensure the safety of Jamaica’s guests and citizens.”

It sounds like they’re doing their best to keep everyone safe, but I’d be lying if I said I’d be nervous to visit the country right now. But I will definitely be keeping an eye on Jamaica and how they handle the crime rate moving forward. Hopefully, they’re able to bring it down in the very near future.

For hotels, motels, and inns, time is finite. Here today, gone tomorrow is never the plan, but it happens. What was once filled with life, love, and laughter begins to dissipate over time as the occupancy rates slowly dwindle. 

And that’s how it was for the Starlight Motor Inn or, as it was formerly known, the Host of America. This is its restoration story.

How it Started

In the 1950s and 1960s, family vacations meant taking a family road trip. Motor inns began popping up all over the country. Rightfully named, they were designed for motorists. With easy access between the rooms and parking and always near major roadways, they were perfect for families needing to get out of the car and rest from the long drive. 

So, when car salesman Woody Rogers wanted out of the business, he decided to convert his used car lot into a mid-century modern motel. He became the first in the area to invest in an instant motel— one built with prefabricated modular construction. Each room was created, pushed in like a drawer, and locked into place with plumbing. The rooms were fully furnished, including carpeting and TVs, along an assembly line before making their way to the Roger’s lot. 

After its opening in 1961, it didn’t take long for this motel to become a hotspot for those traveling through Charleston. A two-story addition was built a few years later that included a diner and a lounge that became a favorite watering hole for sailors and locals. 

For some, this was a momentary place of rest. For others, it became one of life’s staples. 

The End of an Era

The property changed hands in the 1980s which also included a name change— the Star of America Motel. 

It didn’t take long before the building was damaged thanks to Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Then, with a long list of needed repairs heading into the turn of the century, the structure became officially condemned.

This was the end of the era. 

A Star is Reborn: A Thriving Local Icon 

Remember, this is a restoration story. 

In 2020, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its impact on the local area. And, in 2022, it reopened its doors to the public. 

With the original bones in place, all 51 rooms have been remodeled and the structure was reborn as the Starlight Motor Inn. The new owners have been careful to maintain its unique mid-century modern architecture making it feel like a timeless piece of history. The inn features a retro vibe with all the modern conveniences.

The upstairs lounge that was built in the 1960s? It has been transformed into the Burgundy Lounge. It’s a vibrant place to mingle and enjoy a cocktail with some live entertainment from local bands. 

The stories of its past, both the inn and the lounge, are rich. And its revival has paved the way for new generations to step back in time and experience a piece of history. 

Today, the Starlight Motor Inn is a local landmark just minutes from downtown Charleston. It’s a place to stay, swim, dine, and drink.