Overview
- The Last Ditch posted on Monday that it is “soft closing” effective immediately, will keep prebooked events through the winter, and is seeking co‑owners or a full sale.
- The bar offered its equipment, furniture and inventory for transfer or sale and estimated those assets at about $70,000.
- An online fundraiser raised substantial sums, reported at 144% of a $150,000 goal, but owners say the money did not resolve mounting debts and staffing shortfalls.
- The venue went viral in September after the owners allowed one Saturday night to be mask‑optional to boost revenue, which led to a fraught community meeting, online accusations of ableism and violent threats.
- Local reporting found the bar dark and locked after the announcement, and the sole remaining founder, Jackie Matellian, has described severe personal and financial hardship that frames the closure as a struggle to keep a low‑barrier queer space afloat.