In blocking enforcement of the city’s zoning limits on strip clubs and other adult-entertainment outlets, federal Judge William Pauley III called the regulations “a throwback to a bygone era.” They’re nothing of the kind.

No, Times Square won’t revert to “The Deuce” if his ruling stands. But the basic principle here isn’t remotely about stopping extreme sleaze.

Localities should get to decide what is and isn’t acceptable use of public space — and strip clubs and porn shops (especially in numbers) by their nature impact surrounding areas. It’s utterly reasonable to ban these sex-related businesses from operating within 500 feet of a church, school, park or another raunchy parlor.

This isn’t about civil liberties — the “adult” industry can still operate discreetly. That’s why New York’s (plenty liberal) highest court upheld these same zoning restrictions two years ago. And the principle of public decency goes far beyond jiggle joints and porn shops.

The Giuliani administration made innovative use of zoning and nuisance laws to clean up Times Square. New and determined city leadership could use similar legal means to rid the square of its current plague — the Elmos and other costumed buskers who ceaselessly harass passersby.

Expect the appellate courts — the US Supreme Court, if necessary — to strike down Pauley’s decision. His simplistic civil libertarianism is the real throwback here.