Mayor Michael Bloomberg peeks on the chart at the the news conference concerning the announcement of the new legislation to further reduce smoking rate in New York City on Monday, March 18.

Undeterred by the collapse of his big-soda ban, Mayor Bloomberg launched a new health crusade Monday, proposing a law to forbid stores from publicly displaying cigarettes and other tobacco products.

New York would be the first city in the nation to impose such a ban, which Bloomberg framed as a way to reduce teen smoking.

“We know that out of sight doesn’t always mean out of mind, but in many cases it can. And we think this measure will help reduce impulse purchases, and if it does, it will literally save lives,” Bloomberg said.

Packs of cigarettes are a common sight in bodegas and delis. A Health Department report found that 80% of stores that sell cigarettes devote most of their space behind the register to tobacco displays.

“Such displays suggest that smoking is a normal activity and they invite young people to experiment with tobacco,” Bloomberg said. Aides pointed out that the youth smoking rate hasn’t budged from 8.5% since 2007.

Under the proposal, tobacco products would have to be under counters, in cabinets, behind curtains — anywhere but in public view. Stores would still be able to advertise that they sell cigarettes, and could display prices.

The proposal represents a new chapter in Bloomberg’s campaign to improve public health. The city already has banned smoking in public places, even parks and beaches, as well as in bars and restaurants. Bloomberg also has banished trans fats from restaurants.

But the new proposal comes a week after his controversial drive to ban restaurants and theaters from selling sugary sodas larger than 16 ounces was struck down by a judge, a ruling the city is appealing.

Bloomberg said the new tobacco proposal will be introduced in the City Council — a step he didn’t do with his soda ban, which was adopted by his Board of Health.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn suggested she was “very, very open” to it. Her support would greatly improve its chances of passage.

But bodegas, the tobacco industry and their trade groups were furious.

“Why am I supposed to hide? What I sell is legal. It’s all legal,” said Muhamad Hossain, manager of a bodega in the East Village. “If I can’t display, I can’t sell. Business is bad enough already.”

Jabed Ahmed, manager of the Village Gourmet Grocery on Second Ave., said: “They already require that we keep tobacco behind the counter, away from kids. It’s enough. It’s impossible. This is not right.”

Health concerns are “not my problem. It is the right of the customer,” he said.

Brad Gerstman of the New York Association of Grocery Stores predicted the rule would be struck down in court like the soda ban.

“It’s another example of this guy trying to advance his social agenda while disregarding businesses,” he said.

Issuing rules to cut down on teens buying cigarettes makes no sense since selling to kids is already illegal, he said.

David Sutton, spokesman for Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris USA, said “we oppose the bill . . . To the extent that this proposed law would ban the display of products to adult tobacco consumers, we believe it goes too far.”

Bloomberg was unbowed, dismissing critics who once again raised the cry of “nanny state.”

“I take that as a great badge of honor,” he said.

“It says we’re trying to do something to save lives. Didn’t you learn as a kid we’re on this Earth together? We should be trying to help each other and save lives.”

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By Lisa Colangelo , Kerry Burke AND Erin Durkin / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

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