Instant Alert: A day in the life of a Playboy bunny, and how the controversial job has changed over 60 years

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   A day in the life of a Playboy bunny, and how the controversial job has changed over 60 years by Áine Cain on Sep 28, 2017, 4:30 PM Advertisement Bunnies have been a staple of the Playboy brand since it opened its first nightclub in 1960. In the beginning, the bunnies were simply young women who worked as waitstaff in Playboy's clubs. From 1960 to 1986, the brand ran 40 nightclubs, according to Atlas Obscura, as well as some intermittent casinos in England and the Bahamas. Prospective bunnies had to audition in order to get the job. Since then, the term has expanded somewhat. It's even been applied to Hugh Hefner's girlfriends, who lived with him in the Playboy Mansion. Hefner ex-girlfriend Holly Madison's tell-all book is called "Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny." Make no mistake, though — models who appear in Playboy magazine itself are "playmates," not bunnies. With that in mind, here's a look into the controversial history of the bunnies: SEE ALSO: Here's who will most likely inherit Hugh Hefner's millions The name comes from an unexpected source. As a University of Illinois student, Hefner would sometimes dine at Bunny's Tavern in Urbana, Illinois. Apparently, the name stuck with him. Source: The Sun Bunnies working at Playboy Clubs had to abide by some strict rules. They could be immediately fired for dating other employees or guests. Source: Dangerous Minds There was also a ban on drinking alcoholic beverages and gum chewing on the job. Source: Dangerous Minds See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011