First soda, now cigarettes.
Another first of its kind proposal by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is looking to keep tobacco products out of sight in hopes of reducing the youth smoking rate.
The legislation would require stores to keep tobacco products in cabinets, drawers, under the counter, behind a curtain or in other concealed spots. They could only be visible when an adult is making a purchase or during restocking.
Bloomberg said on Monday similar prohibitions on displays have been enacted in other countries, including Iceland, Canada, England and Ireland.
“Such displays suggest that smoking is a normal activity,” Bloomberg said. “And they invite young people to experiment with tobacco.”
Stores devoted primarily to the sale of tobacco products would be exempt from the display ban.
The mayor’s office said retail stores could still advertise tobacco products under the legislation.
“We have made tremendous strides in combating smoking in New York City but this leading killer still threatens the health of our children,” said Dr. Thomas A. Farley, the health commissioner.
