Cigarettes will be hidden from sight in shops in Victoria from the New Year.

From January 1 only specialist retailers will be able to display cigarettes and tobacco products.

More than 11,000 shops will be affected by new bans.

Health Minister David Davis says smoking kills around 4,000 Victorians every year and putting cigarettes out of sight will help people quit.

"There's strong scientific evidence to indicate the point-of-sale visibility of cigarettes is an important factor," he said.

Mr Davis says he hopes the initiative will stop people taking up the habit in the first place.

"These new bans on point-of-sale display will make a difference as part of a package of measures to deal with smoking in our community," he said.

The legislation was introduced by the previous government and has been supported by both sides of Parliament.