Boston Sports Clubs Freezing Memberships After Backlash

Boston Sports Clubs will now freeze memberships during the coronavirus shutdown after receiving backlash for its continued collection of monthly dues while the gyms were closed. In an email Wednesday night, BSC parent company Town Sports International said the freeze will be enacted automatically at no cost to members.

"Please note, as previously communicated, members will receive additional days of membership access equal to the number of days paid for while the clubs were closed in your area," Town Sports said. "In addition, all members will be provided with Passport Elite status for one year. Elite members will receive a free three-month guest membership for a friend when all our clubs reopen."

Town Sports faced lawsuits in Boston and New York for continuing to charge its members during the shutdown. Several gym-goers also accused the company of failing to provide them with a clear path to canceling their memberships.

The Massachusetts Attorney General's office told Patch Friday it received more than 100 complaints about Town Sports. The office has struggled to get in contact with the company, and Attorney General Maura Healey tweeted Monday she sent a letter demanding they fix their cancellation system.

Boston Sports Clubs, like other gyms across the state, closed all of its locations March 16 following Gov. Charlie Baker's initial set of social distancing orders. That same week, it laid off its club-level employees.

Town Sports said it hopes to rehire its 8,000 laid-off workers when it is allowed to reopen.

Previously: Boston Sports Clubs Sued For Collecting Fees During Shutdown

Complaints Mount Against Boston Sports Clubs During Shutdown