In my understanding, in your case the restriction still applies, because you are still on the STAR routing. If you are given a direct to ABBOT the controller should include it in his clearance. (eg, direct ABBOT descend FL90, abeam LAPRA FL120 or below.)
Of course I could be wrong, standing by to be corrected.
Last edited by Tom!; 24th Feb 2013 at 18:24.