Greenwood City Council members will vote July 17 on an ordinance to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places.

The council will hold a public hearing on the ordinance July 16 at city hall.

Pann Powers, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, told council members this week that the vote on the ordinance would promote good health.

“We now have proof positive that smoking is not only harmful for those that smoke but also those that are subjected to the secondhand smoke. I can speak to that firsthand.

“My father was a heavy smoker; he died of emphysema and heart problems associated with smoking. My mother was not a smoker, but she lived with a smoker for 50 years and she died of cancer,” Power said.

If the ordinance is approved, Greenwood would join a growing number of cities — including Tupelo, Hattiesburg and Starkville — that have restricted smoking in public places.

“We know that smoking kills. We also know that it can ruin a good meal,” said Councilman David Jordan, who also is a member of the state Senate.