Lesbian Bar at Center of Mask Dispute Has Google Reviews Shut Down
Summary
A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, called Last Ditch Bar, faced controversy after changing its mask policy to be mask-optional on Saturday nights. This upset customers and led to a surge of online reviews and comments, some critical, resulting in the bar's Google reviews being temporarily disabled due to spam. The issue drew national attention, including remarks from Senator Ted Cruz and other public figures.Key Facts
- Last Ditch Bar required visitors to wear KN-95 or better masks to protect immunocompromised people.
- On August 31, the bar announced Saturday nights would be mask-optional, causing backlash.
- The bar received hundreds of critical comments on Instagram and online review platforms.
- Google reviews were temporarily turned off due to an increase in spam reviews, but Yelp reviews continued.
- Senator Ted Cruz and Texas State Representative Mitch Little publicly commented on the controversy.
- The bar held an “accountability session” to discuss the mask policy change, including owner Jackie Matellian and community members.
- During the meeting, community organizer Soe Noire expressed feeling unsafe at the bar after the policy change and criticized the owner.
- Owner Jackie Matellian revealed financial struggles, including living in her car and owing $50,000 related to the business.
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