It's a New Year and with that comes with a new law that may make people in our city healthier as cigarettes are pulled from pharmacy shelves.

Today is the first day of the ban on all tobacco products being sold in pharmacies across the five boroughs and many say they're ready for the change.

In 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the law banning tobacco sales in the approximate 500 pharmacies where you can still pick up a pack of cigarettes.

The city says this is all part of their efforts to cut down on the number of smokers throughout the five boroughs, already banning e-cigarette sales back in August and raising the minimum prices for tobacco products.

They say it's a vital step to help prevent the close to 12,000 deaths in the city each year attributed to tobacco use.

The ban includes all pharmacies, grocery stores and big-box stores with pharmacy sections. All CVS locations and several independent drug stores already stopped selling tobacco voluntarily over the last few years, but now all other pharmacies will be forced to follow suit. 

City officials say for those who are trying to quit smoking, two of the best things you can do are make a list of your reasons for quitting and get support from family and friends.

They also say it helps to pick a specific date to quit and to make sure to throw out all paraphernalia like ashtrays and lighters.