Last call will come a little earlier for bar patrons out on the terrasse this summer at Annie's Restaurant and Pub in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

The Quebec liquor board has imposed restrictions on operating hours of the popular establishment's terrasses following complaints about noise and unruly clients.

"I don't like it, but I have no choice but to go along with it," said Steven Bracken, owner of Annie's. He told CJAD 800 News he was a little surprised at the severity of the liquor board ruling: in June and July, no more alcohol sales as of 12:30 a.m.on its terrasses which have to cleared a half hour later.

The board cited one case of overcrowding on the front terrasse and two minors in the joint and other violations, as well as general complaints about noise, fights and rowdiness. The board also said overconsumption was the biggest problem and that it was up to the staff to refuse serving those who had a little too much to drink. Bracken said they imposed certain measures such as jacking up the cover and beer prices. As well,

"By hiring private security companies and trying to please everybody, I guess, but it didn't seem to work," Bracken said.

Bracken said police presence used to help but it isn't what it used to be.

"There used to be, at one time, there used to be foot patrols, and more police cars, and now they just don't have the resources anymore."

Bracken said he's resigned to tweaking their operations and making it more lounge friendly.

"It's going to be a really tough year, we're going to lose a monster chunk of money but we want to survive and hopefully. everybody will be happy."

Photo: waymarking.com