NATCHEZ — Natchez could soon join other cities across the state with established “go cup” zones for alcoholic beverages.

The Mississippi Senate recently approved a bill expanding last year’s law that allowed the designation of leisure and recreation districts, or LRDs, where open containers sold by certain businesses would be permitted off premises.

The law would essentially allow patrons to leave a bar with their drink as long as they stay within the boundaries of the district.

The bill passed the Legislature last year with several cities, including Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo and others, included, but Natchez was not.

Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, was an author of the recent Senate bill and said he thinks it would benefit Natchez’s tourism industry.

“Natchez is a big tourism destination, and we’ve got several places people like to go, like Under-the-Hill and Bowie’s and many other places,” Dearing said. “It’s something maybe some people might get upset about, but I think most people will be happy about it.”

Dearing said he thinks the passage of the bill would put Natchez on par with other cities both in and outside of Mississippi that have similar offerings to visitors and bar patrons.

The legislation is only the first step in creating a leisure and recreation district. Local municipalities must approve ordinances establishing the districts.

Dearing said the district in Natchez would likely be established downtown.

The bill now moves to the House for approval.