Massachusetts Bar Sparks Controversy With Mask-Optional Saturdays

A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, has ignited community backlash and accusations of ableism after implementing a mask-optional policy on Saturday nights. Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue made the change in an effort to boost flagging business, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism from some members of the local queer community.

The bar had previously required patrons to wear masks unless actively eating or drinking, a policy intended to ensure accessibility for immunocompromised and disabled individuals. However, financial struggles, including overdue rent and unpaid staff, prompted the owners to relax the mandate on Saturdays.

"It is with love we inform our immunocompromised disabled divas we will be opening Saturday nights as mask optional," the bar posted on Instagram, a message that quickly drew fire. Critics responded with comments accusing the bar of putting disabled people at risk and of participating in a "mass disabling event." Some social media comments included wishes of violence against the establishment.

Despite the bar's assertion that the change was a difficult financial necessity, critics dismissed the apology and the explanation of financial hardship. During a community meeting on September 11, discussions became heated, with some attendees alleging racism due to the race of the therapist mediating the discussion and expressing discomfort with a mandated reporter's presence.

The bar's owner, Jackie Matellian, expressed her distress at the situation, stating she had taken over operations due to financial difficulties and was struggling to keep the business afloat. She noted that the bar owed $3,900 in rent by the end of September.

In response to the controversy, Last Ditch Bar initially issued an apology, stating, "We are sorry for our passive and dismissive tone of our change to the norms and schedule impacting the most intersectional of us. We understand everyone faces different intersections and we are always working to consider all needs fully." This did little to appease critics, who also pointed out the lack of "alt text" on the bar's announcement post, which they argued demonstrated a lack of consideration for visually impaired individuals.

The decision to relax mask mandates comes despite the federal government having declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023 and most businesses nationwide having lifted similar requirements years prior. Greenfield itself had not reported a COVID-19 case in over two months, according to The Boston Globe.

Despite the efforts to attract more patrons, the mask-optional Saturdays have not significantly improved business, with the barroom remaining sparsely attended on what were once busy nights. The financial strain has been severe, with the bar's landlord demanding a substantial payment to avoid eviction.