Hong Kong (CNN) China is taking steps to curb online gaming addiction by ordering arcades and computer cafes to deny access to minors outside public holidays.

From January 2020, entertainment businesses should not allow minors to log on, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a statement posted on its website Wednesday.

"(This will) promote the healthy development of the industry and meet the growing needs of the people for a better life," the statement said.

Enterprises that create gaming equipment are encouraged to tap into China's "traditional culture" and "actively promote the core socialist values," the statement added.

Sun Lei, a senior consultant at Beijing's TA law firm, said a ban was already in place but it had rarely been enforced. He saw the announcement as a warning by Beijing that it is serious about addressing the problem.