Greenfield’s Last Ditch Bar Nears Closure After Mask Policy Change Sparks Boycott

Key points

• Last Ditch Bar made masks optional on Saturdays starting August 31 to increase attendance and revenue, while keeping masks required on other days.
• The decision sparked immediate backlash, with critics labeling the change a 'mass disabling event' and organizing a boycott that has left the bar nearly empty on weekends.
• Jackie Matellian, the last remaining owner, revealed she has been living in a car for six months, working four jobs, and carrying a $50,000 business loan.
• The bar’s landlord is demanding $3,900 in back rent by the end of September, threatening the venue’s immediate survival.
• A community meeting on September 11 failed to resolve the conflict, with attendees criticizing the bar’s accessibility efforts and the mediator’s presence.

Background

Last Ditch Bar opened in 2025 as a lesbian bar and arts venue in Greenfield, Massachusetts, with a strict mask mandate designed to protect immunocompromised and disabled patrons. The venue functions as a community hub, hosting mutual-aid events and political organizing. The recent controversy highlights the tension between commercial survival and accessibility norms in queer spaces, particularly as lesbian bars have declined across the US. The bar’s unique policy, which barred no one for lack of funds, added to its financial strain, leading to the departure of two co-owners months before the mask policy change.

How outlets are covering it

PinkNews and Fox News both report on the boycott and the bar’s financial distress, but Fox News emphasizes the severity of the online backlash, including violent threats and accusations of ableism. PinkNews focuses more on the human element, highlighting Matellian’s emotional state and the bar’s role as a community center. The Boston Globe, cited by both, notes that Greenfield had not reported a COVID-19 case in over two months, adding context to the debate over the necessity of masks. Yahoo’s coverage, while not detailed in the provided text, suggests the story has driven significant media attention, potentially impacting the Boston Globe’s subscription numbers.

Why it matters

The situation at Last Ditch Bar illustrates the precarious nature of queer and disabled community spaces, which often rely on strict accessibility policies to remain inclusive. The boycott highlights the intense scrutiny these venues face when balancing financial viability with community safety, potentially setting a precedent for how other small, community-focused businesses navigate similar conflicts in the post-pandemic era.

What to watch

The bar’s future is uncertain as it faces a deadline for back rent and a sustained boycott. Matellian may need to seek external funding or community support to avoid closure, while the local queer community may continue to debate the balance between accessibility and commercial survival. The outcome could influence policies at other queer venues facing similar financial pressures.