'Just a crazy bill' Laois publican hit with whopping €21,000 ESB bill

A Laois gastro publican has slammed as "just crazy" the huge electricity bill landed on the business.

John Watchorne is proprietor of the popular Jeremiah Grant Bar & Eatery on the Main Street in Portlaoise.

He has just received his biggest electricity bill ever, of €21,040.19.

He posted it on social media, to the dismayed reaction of many. See that story below. 

Mountmellick native John said he is actually one of the luckier businesses, predicting that others may close as the ESB bills continue to rise.

"It's just a crazy bill.  I am able to pay it, I have no rent as I own my own building. I can imagine how other businesses are finding it very hard to pay rent as well," he said.

Back in 2019, he said his ESB bills were around €4,000 every two months.

"Then it went up to €8,000 then up to €13, 000, €14, 000, €15,000. It's a massive increase. It makes it very hard to make money," he said.

The popular venue has 22 staff relying on it for jobs, from chefs to bar staff and cleaners.

John said that the Government tax breaks are some help to him, but not for the businesses most in need of help.

"They help a bit but nothing would cover that cost. If you don't have the cash flow you're in trouble because you have to have your bills fully paid to get the support. It's just ridiculous. 

"I put the bill on social media because I was taken aback by it.  I imagine every business is in a similar situation.

"The cost of food has nearly doubled since last year too. If I increased my prices to match i wouldn't have anyone in the place. 

"We have a good food business, we're ok. But I can't see any end in sight. It's just increasing. Everyone wants the Government to do more. 

Laois pub restaurant gets shockingly huge electricity bill

"If people are paying rent most of them won't be able to survive. I fear for the people who have to pay rent.

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"I imagine a lot of businesses could close down. Places already have closed their doors. I can only imagine more. Costs are going up. We have a good food business. We're ok, but it's just ridiculous," the Laois pub owner said.