Bill Maher Criticizes Far-Left Reactions to Mask Policy at Massachusetts Bar

Bill Maher, well-known comedian and host, targeted far-left critics on his show. He commented on the backlash against a Massachusetts lesbian bar, Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue, for making masks optional one day a week. The bar faced criticism after lifting its COVID-era mask mandate on Saturdays. Maher discussed this during an episode of HBO’s “Real Time.”

Last Ditch Bar, located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, received national attention when the Boston Globe reported community disapproval over its decision to relax mask policies for one night each week. Maher spoke about the bar’s identity, saying, “It’s a very woke bar, which is fine. Their mission statement [is], ‘For dykes, transsexuals, gender freaks, workers and friends.’” Maher humorously noted the order of priority in the mission statement list.

When the bar’s financial issues became public, Maher addressed these challenges. He highlighted the inability of some patrons to afford the cover charge, which led the venue to let them in without payment. Despite economic struggles and even allowing homeless individuals inside, the establishment still upheld a mask mandate until recently.

To tackle its financial difficulties, the bar decided to make Saturdays mask-optional. Maher acknowledged the backlash that followed this change and criticized the far-left’s perceived intolerance in their reactions. Statements from critics included severe remarks like, “People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience,” and “I hope your venue gets firebombed.” Maher argued that such hostility reflects a broader trend of intolerance on the left.

NewsBusters Executive Editor Tim Graham noted this story’s viral status. He highlighted the surprise at ongoing mask mandates in 2026 and emphasized that some leftist reactions appeared authoritarian. Graham remarked on Maher’s disdain for liberals who fail to practice the tolerance they preach. Although Maher supported Barack Obama strongly, he continues to critique leftist fundamentalism.

This situation showcases tensions within political discussions and the complexities of managing public health mandates. The bar’s response to its financial woes reflects decisions that aim to balance business sustainability with community expectations.