Ferguson’s decision to close came after the government announced plans to introduce a 15% discount on business rates for pubs and music venues across England from April.
The three-year package will be worth £1,650 for the average pub in 2026-27, according to the Treasury.
Ferguson, who owns several other premises in the Northern Quarter and beyond, said he still worried about the future.
“The monthly energy bills at TNQ and my other venues have quadrupled from pre-Covid to now – it’s crazy expensive.”
He added that he had noticed other businesses having to make cutbacks by reducing their operating hours.
“The Northern Quarter is the creative hub of Manchester, which is an epic city,” said Ferguson.
“And the creative hub of that city is shut down on a Monday evening because you can’t afford to staff it, and because you can’t afford to turn your lights on.”
UK Hospitality has called for the government’s upcoming support package to be widened – warning that hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the sector are also at risk.