Massachusetts Lesbian Bar That Sparked Mask Outrage Announces Closure

The Last Ditch Bar, a lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, has announced it is closing its regular operations and seeking new ownership. The bar, which had previously garnered significant backlash for altering its mask policy, posted on social media Monday that it is entering a "soft closing" period. All booked events will continue, but the establishment is otherwise closed.

Owners are looking for co-owners, new owners, or a buyer to take over the business. The bar's Instagram post indicated that the value of its equipment, furniture, repairs, and inventory is approximately $70,000. The owners stated they have dedicated their lives to fostering community and resources at the bar and are now looking to "pass it on." However, without a leadership team in place to transition to a worker-owner cooperative, new ownership is needed urgently.

The Last Ditch Bar opened last year and serves the queer community, including individuals described as "transsexuals, gender freaks, workers and their friends." The bar's founders, a trio of individuals in their twenties, struggled to meet costs. The remaining owner, Jackie Matellian, decided to relax the mandatory mask policy for one night per week as the bar faced financial difficulties.

On August 31, the bar announced a "mask optional" Saturday night, stating, "Accessibility is a pillar of our mission, and our mission is to also make the space work for everyone and everything radical, sometimes that's being wild!" This announcement led to widespread criticism online. Many commenters expressed concern for immunocompromised patrons, with one calling the decision a "mass disabling event."

In response to the backlash, the bar issued an apology for "disappointing valued community members with access changes by a casual announcement" and for its "passive and dismissive tone." A subsequent community meeting intended to address the controversy reportedly became contentious, with discussions involving accusations and emotional outbursts from attendees and the owner.