A lesbian bar and arts venue in Greenfield, Massachusetts, has drawn considerable ire from parts of the local queer community after it modified its mask policy to allow for mask-optional Saturdays. The decision, aimed at improving the establishment's financial standing, led to accusations of ableism and boycott threats against the beleaguered business.
Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue recently announced it would no longer require masks on Saturdays. This change, reported by The Boston Globe, was met with strong opposition from some community members in the small city.
Community Criticism and Accusations
Critics of the policy change accused the bar's ownership of endangering disabled individuals. Some went as far as to liken the revised mandate to a "mass disabling event" and a "eugenicist" act, with certain comments on social media even expressing wishes for violence against the establishment.
"I hope your venue gets firebombed for robbing my fellow immunocompromised people of their Saturday plans just to scrape extra revenue from ablists [sic]," one person commented on the bar's social media post announcing the shift.
Other commenters echoed similar sentiments, with one stating, "People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience." Another remarked, "Just say you’re being complicit in a mass disabling event and get it over with."
Further critiques included, "When y'all close, let the record state it was ableism + complying in advance, because that's what it is," and a user with a masked profile picture questioned, "Does COVlD not disable people on Saturday nights?"
Context of Easing Restrictions
This controversy unfolds years after the federal government officially declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023. Most state and local governments, alongside numerous businesses nationwide, had already rescinded masking requirements much earlier. Furthermore, Greenfield itself had not reported any COVID-19 cases for over two months, according to The Boston Globe.
Despite these broader trends, the backlash has significantly impacted Last Ditch, with calls for a boycott leading to noticeably sparse attendance on what would typically be busy Saturday nights.
Financial Hardship and Unique Business Model
The criticism emerged at a time when the bar was already contending with severe financial strain, partly due to its distinctive business model, which includes policies such as "Nobody will be barred from entry due to lack of funds."
Initially, Last Ditch had enforced its mask mandate as part of a broader commitment to making the venue accessible, specifically aiming to protect immunocompromised and disabled patrons. Under this policy, customers were expected to wear masks unless they were actively eating or drinking.
However, the bar's financial difficulties escalated, leading to overdue bills and an inability to compensate its staff or owners. Jackie Matellian, the sole owner actively involved in daily operations, recounted living in her truck for half a year, juggling four jobs, and managing a $50,000 loan, as reported by The Boston Globe.
The two other co-owners had withdrawn from day-to-day involvement months prior; one had enrolled in clown school, and the other is a drag performer who uses it/its pronouns.
It was these pressing financial challenges that prompted the bar to ease its mask policy on Saturdays, hoping to generate additional revenue and ensure its survival.
Failed Attempts to De-escalate
The August Instagram post announcing the mask-optional Saturdays, which stated, "It is with love we inform our immunocompromised disabled divas we will be opening Saturday nights as mask optional," ignited the initial wave of condemnation.
Last Ditch initially tried to calm tensions and apologize for its tone, posting: "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."
However, this apology did little to alleviate the anger. Critics then pointed out that the bar's post lacked "alt text"—a short written description of an image for visually impaired users—arguing this omission demonstrated a deeper disregard for accessibility.
"This is not an accessible post," one commenter wrote. "It indicates the lack of care or interest in Disability intersectionality."
The bar further attempted to address the controversy during its monthly community meeting on September 11, according to The Boston Globe.
During the meeting, virtual attendees participating via Zoom flooded the chat with comments, which were read aloud for those present in person.
Meeting Takes an Unexpected Turn
The discussion took a contentious turn when some critics raised allegations of racism, specifically targeting the white licensed therapist who was mediating the session.
"A lot of people are calling for an acknowledgment of harm and I’m hearing a WHITE therapist … center[ing] the feelings of a majority white and white adjacent staff," one participant commented, as noted by the newspaper.
Attendees also voiced discomfort with a therapist being present at all, stating it made them feel "widely unsafe" due to the therapist's legal obligation as a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse.
When it was Matellian's turn to speak, she became visibly emotional, explaining that she initially took over the bar to support her friends after they departed and had since struggled immensely to keep the business afloat. Matellian revealed she was behind on rent and needed $3,900 by the end of September.
"It was not my passion project," Matellian tearfully stated, still wearing a mask. "I never really wanted this. I don’t think I’m doing a very good job."
However, the bar's critics showed no leniency toward the struggling owner.
"You chose to use your time to spill tears and center your feelings," one individual retorted. "This is incredibly racist and deflecting behavior."
The mask-optional Saturday nights have, thus far, not improved business. The barroom has remained largely empty each weekend, despite offering drink specials and DJs that previously drew dozens of patrons. In a recent instance, when a suggestion was made for a Lady Gaga-themed party to attract more customers, the bartender reportedly dismissed it, saying, "Gaga is canceled. Gaga is Zionist."
