Firms wanting to set up a casino in Bath are being asked to provide a safe haven for customers wanting to get help with gambling addiction problems.

Council officials have drawn up new rules to minimise the social problems likely to be caused by a new casino in Bath.

A number of operators are said to be interested in opening such a venue in the city centre and Bath and North East Somerset Council is now reviewing its policy document on gambling.

The Government requires local authorities to update their Statement of Licensing Principles documents every three years and the latest version for B&NES will include a section on casinos.

The council has now launched a consultation exercise which will last until the end of August, with the draft policy outlined at www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/business/LicencesStreetTrading/GA05Statement.htm

The document says that any firm wanting to set up a casino "will be required to state and demonstrate what ultimate benefit they can bring to the residents of Bath and North East Somerset and how they can contribute to the well-being of the area."

The applicant will be expected to provide evidence that it has funding for its plans, details of the menu likely to be offered, financial accounts and professional references.

Firms would also have to discuss their policy for educating customers about how to avoid becoming addicted to gambling and to set up a refuge area where people can seek help for such problems.

This would have to be a "non-threatening soundproofed quiet room that is always available for those concerned about their own or someone else's gambling."

The draft policy says there should a phone which people can use to access national helplines, and a computer allowing access to an online counselling facility. Leaflets with contact addresses and telephone numbers would have to be prominently displayed in this room.

There would also have to be a separate area where novice gamblers can learn the ropes under the guidance of staff.

The council says this must allow customers to find out about games "without feeling intimidated or embarrassed."

People can also take part in the consultation exercise by asking for a printed copy of the policy to be sent to them, by ringing 01225 477557.

Comments should be in writing and sent to the Licensing Team by August 31 by email to licensing@bathnes.gov.uk, or post to Licensing Team, Bath & North East Somerset Council, 9-10 Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SN.

All consultation responses received will be presented to the council's licensing committee and the revised policy will be presented to a full council meeting in November for approval.

A number of possible sites including Saw Close and Manvers Street have been identified but any operator would need planning permission as well as a casino licence.