Massachusetts bar faces boycott after temporarily lifting mask rule

Last Ditch Bar, a lesbian-focused venue in Greenfield, Massachusetts, announced on August 31 that masks would be optional on Saturdays in an effort to increase revenue. The policy change was reversed on other days, where masks remain required.

The announcement sparked criticism from members of the local queer community, with several commenters describing the decision as harmful to immunocompromised patrons. The bar received threats and calls for a boycott, and attendance on Saturdays dropped sharply.

Bar owners said the move was intended to address financial pressures, including an outstanding $50,000 loan and overdue rent of $3,900. One owner, Jackie Matellian, explained that she had been working multiple jobs and living in a car to keep the business afloat.

Following the backlash, the bar issued an apology for the tone of its announcement and for not providing accessible text for visually impaired users. A community meeting held on September 11 was disrupted by heated comments, and the venue continues to struggle with low patronage despite promotional offers.

The landlord has given the bar a deadline to pay the overdue rent, and the owners are exploring additional events to attract customers.