Last Ditch, a Lesbian Bar Whose Mask Policy Made It Famous, Will Close
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Last Ditch, a Western Massachusetts bar known for serving the LGBTQ+ community, is moving toward closing, as announced on its social media page.
- The bar gained international attention after relaxing its mandatory face mask policy on Saturdays, sparking controversy and accusations of being ableist and unsafe for immunocompromised patrons.
- Despite a surge of interest following media coverage, the increased business was insufficient to sustain the bar in Greenfield, a city of about 17,000 residents.
- The owners stated they are "soft closing" immediately, with booked events continuing, and expressed a desire to pass ownership to new parties soon.
- Founded in 2025 by three housemates to fill a void left by the closure of other queer bars in the region, the Last Ditch served as a community hub for organizing and support.
