This month saw a claim of sexual harassment against a whiskey bar manager after one of their managers ‘air kissed’ them as a greeting. The claim was dismissed after an Employment Judge found that while the manager may have been guilty of overzealous facial choreography, their lips never actually made contact and it was not of a sexual nature. That’s right – air kissing, the time-honoured greeting of flamboyant aunts and eccentric theatre directors, has been officially cleared of wrongdoing.

Experts say this ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the future of workplace etiquette. Can finger guns be classed as assault? Could a jazz hands farewell be considered harassment? And what of the dreaded double air kiss – the ultimate power move of posh luncheons? Stay with us for further developments in this legal frontier.

In the meantime, HR departments across the nation are updating their policies: “No unsolicited physical contact, inappropriate comments, or aggressively mimed gestures of affection.” As for the manager, he has reportedly sworn off air kisses altogether and now communicates exclusively through a series of respectful nods.