In the last several years, community leaders have found increasing success petitioning the State Liquor Authority to revoke the liquor licenses of numerous strip clubs in New York and deny the applications of new clubs. The opponents cite crime, noise or other quality-of-life issues, or highlight a club owner’s lack of qualifications or possible criminal ties.

The tactics have led many owners to try to operate without selling alcohol — a status that, ironically, because of vagaries in the rules governing exotic dancing, allows the clubs to be totally nude. But the resulting loss of customers makes clear that the presence of alcohol is far more important than the absence of pasties.

And when there is no champagne in the champagne room, the flow of revenue also dries up.

“You go after their liquor license,” said Rafael Salamanca, the district manager of Bronx Community Board 2, which covers Hunts Point. Mr. Salamanca has spearheaded efforts that led to the closing of four clubs in the last two years. “They can’t make any money if they don’t have a liquor license.”

In determining whether to award a license, the authority considers criteria like the proximity of other such establishments and the background of an applicant. The authority also “places substantial weight on the recommendations of community boards and residents living near a proposed bar or restaurant.”

Some of the arguments against a club can be rather straightforward. Mr. Salamanca cited one Hunts Point venue, Club Eleven, that he said was a magnet for trouble; the police were called to numerous fights and assaults that stemmed from the club. And in December 2011, a woman was shot and killed outside.