Everyman reduces proposed hours of new Bury St Edmunds cinema at former Debenhams ahead of premises licence decision

The proposed hours for a new cinema have been revised after residents raised concerns about late-night noise and disturbance.

Everyman has applied to West Suffolk Council for a premises licence for its new branch in the basement of the former Debenhams store at the arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds.

Originally, the application sought permission for regulated entertainment, including films and live and recorded music, and the sale of alcohol on the premises from 8am to 3am the next morning, Monday to Sunday, as well as late-night refreshment (indoors) from Monday to Sunday, 11pm to 3am.

The opening hours requested were 8am to 3.30am the next morning, Monday to Sunday.

West Suffolk Council confirmed the applicant has now requested that the hours are amended to:

• Sunday to Thursday – all licensable activities to midnight, opening hours to 1am;

• Friday and Saturday – all licensable activities to 1am, opening to 2am.

Some nearby residents had raised concerns over the hours originally proposed in the licence application, with worries over anti-social behaviour in the town centre late at night.

Celia Lawrence, of the Nelson Road Residents’ Association, said her association was ‘very pleased’ with the outcome, adding that Everyman had been very cooperative and listened to their concerns and worked with them.

“I’m not against anybody going to the cinema, it’s just the anti-social behaviour that could come from late-night drinking,” she said, speaking of why residents had been worried.

Cllr Jo Rayner, who has supported residents in the background, said she could understand why people were concerned about a 3am finish every day and could also understand Everyman’s rationale that they were unlikely to use those hours every day.

Speaking of the outcome, she added: “Generally, it’s been a really positive experience. It’s been disappointing it’s caused anxiety, but the outcome and the process has worked really well.”

However, Tom Murray, who lives in Prospect Row near the former Debenhams, said he still thought the proposed hours were too long.

He said: "Sunday to Thursday until 1am in Bury St Edmunds - they would be wasting their time and money. We haven't got a very large night-time economy. And Friday to Saturday until 2am - I think it's too much."

He believes the concerns of the residents of the arc over late-night disturbance still need to be considered.

The deadline to make representations on the premises licence application for the cinema was Thursday, March 16.

A Primark will move into the ground and first floors of the long-empty Debenhams department store, which shut in May 2021.

Everyman was approached for comment.