COUNCIL chiefs in Worcester have underlined their commitment to tackling problem-gambling - with a new blueprint drawn up over it.

Worcester City Council has published a fresh set of principles on how it will oversee licences for gambling venues.

The document, which will last until 2019, has to be updated every three years to satisfy Government demands and now includes several new sections, including:

- Details on how the council could pass a resolution to block a new casino from opening up, if it had concerns

- A section on how the council would take independent advice from experts on how to protect children from harm

- Advice from the Gambling Commission, the independent regulator, on how best to handle bids from third parties for new venues in the city

The document has been sent out for eight weeks worth of public consultation, with a view to then being used as strict guide for councillors when making decisions.

It will cover bingo halls, casinos, betting shops, any adult gaming centres and even family entertainment facilities like arcades.

It is being updated after the Government passed laws which attempt to make it more difficult to open a gambling venue, and once open allows for strict conditions to be applied on how each venue is run.

Every time a gambling venue wants to open up, the city council is required to set up a panel of three councillors and hold a licensing sub-committee meeting to make a decision.

The new council guide states: "Examples of some conditions which are likely to be attached in certain circumstances include those relating to opening hours and the segregation of gambling from non-gambling areas frequented by children.

"Security Industry Authority licensed door supervisors, appropriate signage for adult only areas, age limits or keeping children and young persons away from gaming machines are other examples.

"The (council) will also expect the applicants to offer their own suggestions as to the way in which the licensing objectives can be promoted effectively."

The broad aim of it is to stop children from getting into gambling, and prevent any facility from becoming a magnet for crime and disorder.

The new guide also details how the council would carry out enforcement patrols, if needed, to make sure any new venues are sticking to its conditions.

It will launch from February next year subject to the consultation.