last call

In a bar, a last call (last orders) is an announcement made shortly before the bar closes for the night, informing patrons of their last chance to buy alcoholic beverages. There are various means to make the signal, like ringing a bell, flashing the lights, or announcing verbally. Last call times are often legally mandated and vary widely globally as well as locally. Legislation's purposes include reducing late night noise in the neighborhood, traffic crashes, violence, and alcohol related health problems. Australia In New South Wales, there is no specified closing time, but in residential areas, bars are often required to close at midnight. In non-residential areas, some bars are open 24 hours. A six-hour daily closure period applies to new licenses (and extended hours authorizations) granted from 30 October 2008, which is nominated depending on individual and community circumstances. During a significant part of the early 20th century, bars in Australia and New Zealand were closed at 6p.m. by law. The resulting rush to buy drinks after work was known as the six o'clock swill.