Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox
Get our free View from Westminster email
It's a question old as time: can men snuggle without wanting more?
Authorities in Madison, Wisconsin have clearly decided the answer is no, forcing the closure of a start-up business that offered clients a snuggle service, with one hour of "non-sexual" cuddling costing $60.
The Snuggle House had a simple mission; to give rat-racers some way to feel "connected, in a disconnected, digital world." Sure, that connection was to come with a hefty price-tag, and a certain blankness behind the eyes, but hey, you take what you can get in the festive season.
An attorney for the city said it would be impossible for the Snuggle House to guard against sex assaults. "No offense to men, but I don't know any man who wants to just snuggle", she told the AP.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies