Crossword Genius

Complimentary bar's last to open (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

free

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'complimentary' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'bar's last to open' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'last' could be 'f' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'f' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ree' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for free that I've seen before include "Unconfined" , "Not employed" , "At large" , "without payment" , "At liberty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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