Solicitor Jimmy Richardson is seeking to shut down five adult-entertainment nightclubs in Horry County, a move one club owner said likely will backfire economically as this area’s tourism numbers continue to slump.

“It’s sad they are going to this extreme because business is down as a whole in all of Horry County and Myrtle Beach,” said Mike Rose, owner of The Gold Club on U.S. 501. Rose said the targeted nightclubs attract tourists, employ about 300 people and support other businesses such as golf courses and transportation services.