A SHOCKED pub boss says his bills could be set to rise by £31,000 next year as the country’s energy crisis deepens.

The Hare and Hounds, in High Garrett, is calling on the Government to take action.

It comes as the UK sees energy prices sky-rocket due to increased demand and supply unable to keep up.

The ongoing invasion of Ukraine in Russia has also deepened the crisis, with many nations blocking cheap Russian gas.

As a result, many are seeing their energy bills soar and one of the businesses to take a hit is the Hare and Hounds.

Owner Michael Campbell says, despite shopping around for the best prices, the pub’s gas bill will go up by an extra £12,000 a year, now costing a whopping £17,431.

The situation is the same for electricity which is going up by £19,450 a year to £36,049.

It means the remainder of 2022 will see the pub’s energy bills cost an extra £23,249 with it costing an extra £31,000 in 2023.

Mr Campbell says he wants to see the Government to step in.

He said: “It's crippling. The bottom line is these are the best prices we can get.

“Things like the chiller are on 24 hours a day, the lights, the pizza oven is on all day. There are so many costs which we just can't get around.

“It's worrying, but we’ll work hard and I’m sure we will be fine in the long run.

"But it's not just us – everyone has been hit with these hikes.

“Someone needs to do something because there is no support out there and there are other places which will definitely need it.

“The consumer is going to see it everywhere.

"All my customers will notice this and maybe they’ll think twice about having that third pint instead of two.

“During Covid, the community pulled together and we need to carry that on by supporting small local businesses.

“The Government needs to step in but they’re useless.

"This is going to see small businesses go bust.”