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Gambling venues should take stronger measures to hide their operations from children, according to a draft Caerphilly Council report.

The local authority is currently reviewing its policies under the Gambling Act, which sets out rules for betting shops and other premises.

At a meeting of the council’s licensing committee, on Tuesday November 19, members heard the new policy could include tougher wording on so-called adult gaming centres.

The council will “expect” those businesses to cover their doors and windows “to stop children from looking into the venue”.

This could be achieved using window film or a privacy screen, the council has proposed.

It is hoped the updated guidance will “make the outward appearance of adult gaming centres less appealing to children”.

Cllr Shane Williams, chairing the committee, expressed some surprise that such rules weren’t already in place.

Licensing manager Lee Morgan said he was “hopeful” businesses “already promote this type of outward appearance”.

Caerphilly’s updated statement of gambling licensing policy will be presented to all councillors in January 2025 for final approval.