The Last Ditch Bar & Arts Venue — a progressively spirited space catering to “dykes, transsexuals, gender freaks, workers, and their friends” (as stated in the bar’s promo material) in Greenfield, Mass., has announced a “soft closure” and that it’s on the market.
Reports Boston.com:
Last Ditch, the Western Massachusetts COVID-cautious lesbian bar that found itself at the center of a political maelstrom last month after relaxing its mask mandate, has announced its “soft closure” amid a hunt for new owners.
“We have put our lives on hold to foster networks of care, resources, and a home base for organizing,” the Greenfield bar announced on social media Monday. “It’s time we pass it on.”
Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue is “soft closing” effective immediately, though all pre-booked events will continue as scheduled through this winter, according to the post.
The bar added that it has been “fighting since the beginning to fill out the team” and is now in need of new ownership or co-owners for Last Ditch, which has equipment, inventory, and other assets valued at about $70,000.
“Join, get trained, and take over the transition,” the post reads. “OR full sale (best offer).”
Last Ditch did not specify a date for its permanent closure. Boston.com has reached out to the bar for comment on the announcement.
Opened last year by three housemates hoping to revitalize the community’s queer night life, the bar was struggling financially and down to just one of its original founders when it became the subject of a viral Globe Magazine story last month. The article delved into the backlash Last Ditch faced after relaxing its strict mask policy and making Saturday nights mask-optional — a decision met with outrage from COVID-cautious individuals who said they had come to rely on the space.