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A goth-themed event at Last Ditch Bar in Greenfield was abruptly converted to a private gathering, resulting in locked doors and strict security checks for attendees following weeks of backlash over the venue's mask policy.
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The latest incident comes after weeks of intense backlash against Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue in Greenfield, where the decision to make Saturdays mask-optional sparked boycott calls, accusations of ableism, and evenThe venue organized a goth-themed night on Saturday, September 26, featuring underground DJs Hannibal Directive and Puppy Synthesis, with guests free to decide whether to wear masks. , more than a dozen people who arrived shortly after 7 p.m. were turned away after staff called an emergency meeting.
Visitors were instructed to return at 10 p.m., leaving those who had been looking forward to the event wondering what was happening inside. Management announced that the previously public dance night had been converted into a private event because of unspecified “safety breaches. ”Those unable to do so risked being refused entry.
Moreover, those allowed inside reportedly had to surrender their photo IDs to staff as an additional security measure. The sudden changes followed Jackie Matellian’s reported concerns that the establishment was being “infiltrated” amid the intense publicity surrounding its masking controversy. Interestingly, the outlet reported that fewer than a dozen patrons wore masks, even though the venue’s decision to make them optional had triggered an extraordinary backlash.
One defining feature was a strict masking policy requiring visitors to wear KN-95 respirators or better. The establishment also promoted financial accessibility, welcoming people who could not afford admission. Its owners eventually decided to experiment with mask-optional Saturdays, hoping themed parties, DJs, and larger crowds could generate much-needed revenue. For immunocompromised customers, the concern wasn’t simply personal preference.
A crowded, mask-optional event could carry infection risks that might prevent them from participating in nightlife altogether. Others were particularly offended by the announcement’s cheerful tone, which they felt failed to acknowledge the seriousness of those concerns.
“Just say you’re being complicit in a mass disabling event and get it over with,” one commenter wrote. Another accused the venue of putting disabled people’s health at “risk” for the convenience of other customers.
“We are sorry for the passive and dismissive tone of our change to the norms and schedule impacting the most intersectional of us,” the establishment wrote.another source of frustrationWhat began as an attempt to increase Saturday-night revenue had now become a much wider argument about disability, public health, inclusion, and the financial realities of running a small business. As the criticism continued, the venue organized a community meeting on September 11 to discuss the masking decision and hear from those affected.
When a woman attending in person said she wished everyone could be physically present to talk together, some virtual attendees interpreted the remark as dismissive of people who could not attend in person. Amid the increasingly tense discussion, Matellian revealed the difficult circumstances she had been facing behind the scenes. But the other two co-founders had stepped away from the project, leaving Matellian responsible for much of the struggling business.
She told attendees she carried a $50,000 business loan and spent six months living out of her vehicle to cover the establishment’s expenses.never really wanted this“You chose to use your time to spill tears and center your feelings,” one attendee allegedly responded, accusing her of deflectingEven the new mask-optional Saturdays, meant to improve the situation, initially failed to attract the crowds the business desperately needed. For some observers, the situation raised questions about how a business could balance its accessibility commitments with the need to generate enough revenue to survive.
Others defended the concerns of immunocompromised patrons, arguing that losing access to even one regular night could have meaningful consequences for people with limited opportunities to socialize safely. Soe Noire, a Black artist and performer who had criticized the venue’s handling of the masking controversy, reportedly became the target of racist harassment and threats from online users.condemning the attacks and making clear that harassment directed at Noire was not a form of support for the establishment.
By the time its Saturday goth night arrived, the establishment was therefore dealing with far more than complaints about its original Instagram announcement. It had become the subject of intense online scrutiny, faced serious financial difficulties, and was attempting to address safety concerns while continuing to operate.
“So, hear me out, it’s a bar. People drink at bars. How are they drinking and wearing masks? ” questioned one netizen By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and
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