But as is often our way

I would like to seek someone helping to solve the problem below.

Doors will open at 5:30pm for drinks, nibbles & networking, with a 6pm sharp start. We aim to close things out by 7:30pm at the venue, but as is often our way, will continue the discussion in a pub near by.

1. What is the meaning of “as” in the phase?
2. Do you know is it correct or has it other meaning if the phase was rewritten shown below (erased the “as”)?

We aim to close things out by 7:30pm at the venue, but is often our way, will continue the discussion in a pub near by.