TOBACCO displays will be banned from corner shops next year and from supermarkets two years later under proposals released by the Assembly Government today.

Specialist tobacconists will be able to continue to display products in their premises, provided they are not visible from outside.

The new rules, which would also ban cigarette vending machines, are meant to stop children taking up smoking and follows the three-year-old ban on smoking in public places.

Shopkeepers will be allowed to use price lists to help them serve customers.

Ministers plan to introduce the regulations at the same time as the rest of the UK, subject to a three-month consultation which ends on July 6.

The ban on vending machines would begin in October 2011 at the same time as the new rules on displays in small shops. Bigger businesses are expected to be included in October 2013.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "The Welsh Assembly Government's aim is to protect children and young people from the very serious risks of smoking, while ensuring that the regulations are workable and cost-effective in practice.

"We believe that the proposed regulations strike the right balance, but it is important that we hear views on their practical implications for those most affected by them.’’ Chief Medical Officer for Wales Tony Jewell said: "Two-thirds of adults who have ever smoked say that they started before they were 18 and the majority of under-age smokers get their cigarettes from self-service tobacco vending machines.

"Removing tobacco products from public display and banning cigarette vending machines will reinforce the vitally important public health message that smoking is harmful and addictive and reduce the opportunity for young people to access these products.’’ Shadow health minister Andrew RT Davies said: "We have previously seen that young people in particular do not seem to take heed of the warnings.

"It is essential that the minister ensures that these proposals are part of a range of effective measures aimed at reducing the numbers of smokers in Wales.

"We must encourage children and young people to take advantage of the local community smoking cessation services that can assist them as they try to stop smoking.’’