I’ve been hearing a lot about Mayor White’s push to shut down adult-oriented businesses over the past week or so as it became increasingly apparent that it’s really happening, yet I didn’t post about it or actually give the whole issue much thought.

Well, it’s time to write about it and indeed give it attention. This is big for Houston business and general city protocol in general. It’s no secret that nearly every major city in the country has strips clubs and adult-oriented bookstores, etc., but it seems that people now more than ever are talking about how these places of businesses affects the metropolis’ image/reputations and if they compromise the morals of patrons and non-patrons alike.

Personally, I have to say as I get older in years now, I’m more for this than against it. I don’t like the idea of people losing their means of earning a living, but White’s done a good job so far of improving our city’s image and cleaning up certain areas. This goes along side by side with those previous efforts and I think we’ll see similar, positive results with less strip clubs and what not throughout our urban-plex. (I can feel the flaming coming…) :-p

Fellow Houstonians; are you for or against this? Neutral? Voice your opinion via the comments link at the bottom of this post.

Matt Stiles has a done a great article about the shutting down of adult biz at chron.com, I’d like to cite his writing to further inform y’all of what is happening…

Privately, industry officials said they think the city’s crackdown is unfair, noting that they are lawful businesses that contribute millions of dollars to the local economy through employment and sales taxes.

Some also decry that all such businesses are linked together in one ordinance.

They see a distinction between adult cabaret clubs, which require multiple permits because their businesses depend on liquor and food sales, from modeling studios and spas, some of which police say are nothing more than fronts for prostitution.

Those distinctions have not been important to elected officials and police, who plan to begin enforcement as soon as next week.

“The sole purpose of this notice is to clarify the City of Houston’s legal authority and intent to enforce ordinance provisions governing sexually oriented business enterprises beginning immediately,” the letter reads. “This notice is not subject to reconsideration or administrative recourse.”

Employees and owners could face arrest on a Class A misdemeanor charge punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The city also may seek civil injunctions forcing closures.

Jett called the letter a “courtesy.”

“We would much rather them comply, and let them know that the city is dead serious about this,” he said. “We’re not saying they can’t operate. We’re just saying they need to move.”

Chronicle reporters Alexis Grant and Chase Davis contributed to this story.