What happened
A Massachusetts lesbian bar, Last Ditch Bar, that recently lifted its mask mandate for one night a week, implemented strict restrictions on its first mask-free Saturday. The bar's owner, Jackie Matellian, claimed the venue was being "infiltrated" and held an emergency meeting, resulting in patrons being turned away and told to return later. Upon returning, patrons were informed that the event was now private and that they needed to know someone inside to gain entry. They were also required to hand over their ID as a "security measure."
The bar had faced backlash from its clientele after announcing the decision to go mask-optional one night a week, with some calling it a "mass disabling event" and a "eugenicist" attack. Despite this, fewer than a dozen patrons wore masks on the night. The bar's owner had previously apologized for the decision, citing financial struggles and a $50,000 business loan.
The Last Ditch Bar, which opened last year, had previously required mandatory N-95 masks at all times. The change in policy was met with outrage from some members of the queer community, with some accusing the bar of being complicit in a "mass disabling event."
