Shanghai will launch a campaign of spot checks this year to ensure no lottery ticket stands are located near elementary schools, the Shanghai Education Commission said at the weekend.

The Ministry of Education and five other central government departments issued a statement late last year ruling that no lottery stands were permitted within 200 meters of schools.

Lottery vendors are also required to put up signs stating "no lottery sales to minors," the local commission said. Existing stands near campuses will be given a deadline to move. Those that don't will be shut down.

"Lottery sales, especially illegal ones organized by vendors, tend to induce young students to form a habit of speculating or even gambling. The government should take action to ensure children have a healthy environment for growing up," said Yang Yongming, director of the commission's youth protection division.

The statement said that vendors in some other Chinese cities were found selling home-made lottery tickets or organizing lucky draws around campuses. They lured students with small rewards like toys and stationery.

Although officials said that no such cases had been reported in Shanghai so far there are few local lottery stands with signs explaining to youngsters that they can't buy tickets. Vendors who sell tickets to minors will be warned they are breaking the law but no punishment has yet been formulated.

On the city's Weihai Road a China Welfare Lottery stand sits only 50 meters away from Shanghai Minli Middle School.

"I've never heard of the ban nor has anyone ever told me to put up a sign," said the stand's owner, who didn't wish his name used. He said he'd be willing to move the stand if the government helps him find another location.

(Shanghai Daily January 16, 2007)