The lawsuit against the City of Fresno’s smoke shop ordinance has been thrown out by a federal court.

City leaders made the announcement on Wednesday.

The lawsuit was brought on earlier this year by the California Smoke Shops Association, saying the ordinance violated its members’ rights to equal protection under federal and state laws.

The city was able to continue enforcing the ordinance during litigation, as a federal judge has blocked an effort to temporarily halt enforcement.

Council Vice President Miguel Arias says the city attorney’s office, along with code enforcement, has shut down 26 smoke shops.

He says the goal is to shut down all smoke shops by December 20-26.