The question of the right time to announce "last call" came up at the regular city council meeting Monday afternoon after some councillors said they continue to get complaints about noise and rowdy behaviour in the city's streets in the wee hours of the morning.

Currently, bars, clubs and public houses are allowed to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. during the week, and until 3 a.m. on weekends. Before 2000, last call was 1 a.m.

City Coun. Art Puddister said there have always been complaints, but the problems associated with late-night debauchery are getting worse.

"Since the hours got extended from 1 a.m. until 3 a.m., it seems to be a real issue for the downtown areas, for bars that are close to residential neighbourhoods," he said.

Council has asked the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, the Crown body that governs the import, sale and distribution of liquor in the province, to hold a public meeting about the late serving hours.

City Coun. Frank Galgay, whose district is in the downtown, said the current serving hours are ludicrous.

"But I would hope ... when the liquor commission has the public hearing, that the voices of the people will be heard and we may be able to get hours that are reasonable and hours that are acceptable to the general public," Galgay said.

Galgay said if the liquor corporation doesn't hold a meeting to give people an opportunity to voice their concerns, the city should.

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