An Anne Arundel Circuit judge is to decide tomorrow whether Buddy's Crabs and Ribs in downtown Annapolis may remain open until 2 a.m. for the next six months while lawyers for the city and the restaurant prepare for trial on the issue.

The Annapolis city council voted Thursday to join Buddy's in its request for a temporary injunction, filed Friday, to allow the extended hours until a full trial.

The restaurant sought to reverse the effect of a June 10 order by Judge Eugene M. Lerner that stripped it of the zoning status necessary to stay open until 2 a.m. It now closes at midnight.

In response to a residents' petition, Judge Lerner held that, in allowing the conditional use, the mayor and city council had given no substantive reason for reversing their earlier denial of the application.

Judge Raymond G. Thieme Jr. said he declined to rule on the injunction request Friday because the lawyer representing the community, Timothy Meredith, was unavailable.

Residents oppose the 2 a.m. closing, contending that it adds to noise and crime.