HOUSTON — The City of Houston scored a major victory in its running battle against strip clubs on Tuesday. A state district judge issued an order to shut down the Penthouse Gentleman’s Club in southwest Houston.

The judge’s order was significant because it marks the first time a club has been closed for violating the city’s sexually oriented business ordinance, which was passed in 1997.

Houston had been limited on enforcing the law for more than a decade as club owners fought the city in court.

Now, if attorneys manage to enforce that ordinance citywide, it could close down dozens of other sexually oriented businesses. That will likely have a devastating impact on the flourishing strip club business in Houston.