MANILA, Philippines -- STARTING NEXT MONTH, THE selling and serving of alcoholic beverages will be strictly regulated by the city government of Valenzuela.

By Oct. 1, the city will be implementing an ordinance that has consolidated all local laws pertaining to the regulation of the sale, dispensation and distribution of alcoholic drinks within the city.

In line with this, all stores, retailers, restaurants, cafes and entertainment establishments like bars, discos and KTVs will not be allowed to serve and sell alcoholic beverages from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said the city wants to regulate the sale of alcohol to curb incidents related to excessive drinking that often happen between 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

?We noticed that brawls and motorcycle accidents mostly happen between these early morning hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when people go out to celebrate and drink,? said Gatchalian.

Gatchalian said the ordinance was not meant to to deter business establishments requiring the sale of alcohol from choosing Valenzuela as a location, since the limitations implemented are reasonable and business owners could always apply for a special permit from the Liquor Licensing and Regulatory Board (LLRB).

The new ordinance will also now require business establishments to apply for a license to sell alcoholic beverages from the LLRB.

Licensed retailers will consequently be required to display a sign in their stores stating that the establishment is an authorized liquor dealer, accompanied by a permit number and its expiry date.

Gatchalian said the license requirement would basically inform retailers on the new regulations on alcoholic drinks.

The cost of a license authorizing a store to sell alcohol ranges only from P200 (for retailers) to P5,000 (for manufacturers, distillers and producers).

The new liquor regulations will also prohibit sellers to sell hard drinks to minors who will be required to produce identification cards before making a purchase.

A task force has been created by the city government of Valenzuela to help in the strict implementation of the ordinance.