Massachusetts Bar Faces Backlash After Changing Mask Policy

<p>A bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, has faced community backlash after lifting its mask mandate for one night a week. The Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue removed its mask requirement on Saturdays to boost business, but some members of the local queer community objected to the change, as reported by The Boston Globe.</p><p>Critics accused the bar's owners of endangering disabled individuals, with some comments describing the policy change as a "mass disabling event" and a "eugenicist" attack. One commenter expressed a desire for violence against the establishment, stating, "I hope your venue gets firebombed for robbing my fellow immunocompromised people of their Saturday plans just to scrape extra revenue from ablists [sic]." Another commenter wrote, "People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience." </p><p>The backlash occurred despite Greenfield not reporting a COVID-19 case in over two months, and it follows the federal government's declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic was over in 2023. The bar had previously implemented the mask mandate to create an accessible environment for disabled and immunocompromised patrons, requiring customers to wear masks unless eating or drinking.</p><p>The bar's owners have struggled financially, with one owner, Jackie Matellian, reportedly living in her truck for six months while managing multiple jobs and a $50,000 loan. The bar's unusual business model includes a policy stating that "Nobody will be barred from entry due to lack of funds." As a result of financial difficulties, the bar decided to lift the mask mandate on Saturdays to increase revenue.</p><p>In an Instagram post announcing the change, the bar stated, "It is with love we inform our immunocompromised disabled divas we will be opening Saturday nights as mask optional." The bar later attempted to address the backlash by apologizing for its tone and acknowledging the diverse needs of its patrons. However, critics noted that the apology failed to include written "alt text" for visually impaired individuals, leading to further accusations of inaccessibility.</p><p>During a community meeting on September 11, attendees expressed their outrage, with some alleging racism due to the presence of a white therapist mediating the discussion. Matellian became emotional while speaking about her struggles to keep the bar afloat, stating, "It was not my passion project. I never really wanted this. I don’t think I’m doing a very good job." Despite the mask-optional policy, business has not improved, with the bar experiencing low attendance on weekends.</p><p>Suggestions have been made to host themed events to attract more patrons, but the bar's future remains uncertain as it continues to face financial challenges.</p>