Natchez aldermen are wise to move slowly and cautiously in creating a zone in which people can walk around with alcoholic beverages.

As the city considers how to implement the new state law allowing Natchez to designate a “go-cup” zone, we agree with residents who suggest starting small makes the most sense.

Some aldermen favor a wider zone that would include more establishments, many of which are not typically locations frequented by tourists.

In making the permitted leisure and recreation district larger the city would increase the likelihood of problems with overindulgence that may lead to legal issues.

Critics of a more tightly defined area suggest it would unfairly penalize locations that are not in the downtown area.

Such an argument is off base.

Bars and restaurants within walking distance of the city’s center, the bluffs and the Natchez Convention Center will logically benefit most from the new law.

But the law is more of a convenience rather than a competitive advantage.

We urge city leaders to remember the purpose of the law — it was to allow tourists and convention goers a legal means to carry an adult beverage to and from their hotels or between tourism stops.

Tightly defining the area to the immediate downtown area makes the most sense, at least at first. If in a year, no noticeable problems have occurred, perhaps then expanding to other establishments would make sense.