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)