Natchez may be steeped in history, but there’s certainly one area in which we don’t want to be stuck in the past.

And aldermen Ricky Gray and Bob Pollard are ready to snuff out the problem.

The men are pushing a smoking ban in Natchez’s public places, a ban they say is long overdue.

We agree.

Smoking is a nasty habit. It’s unhealthy, for the smokers and for those nearby.

Yet, some people still insist on continuing to puff.

But the rest of us shouldn’t have to suffer. Secondhand smoke is a health hazard to adults and especially young children.

It’s high time the city took a stand on this issue and made the healthy decision. Countless other communities have already done so.

Though we appreciate Mayor Jake Middleton’s desire to hear opinions from business owners, it’s not necessary to have a sit-down meeting with them.

Just ban it.

We’ve elected leaders to make decisions with our best interest in mind.

It’s obvious that secondhand smoke benefits no one.

Gray and Pollard should be commended for fighting the fight.

We hope a ban is enacted soon, before we have to have to erect a historical marker to our health.