That was the message delivered by Grand Secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson yesterday as he stressed the determination of Ulster's Loyal Orders and bands to tackle the problem of alcohol abuse, which he said was "finding its way into the periphery of our parades".
The appeal to the public and publicans has been made in an effort to maintain a family- friendly atmosphere at the parades.
Backing the initiative are the Loyal Orange Institution, the Royal Black Institution, the Independent Loyal Orange Institution, the Royal Arch Purple Order, the Apprentice Boys of Derry, the Ulster Bands Association and the 36th Regimental Bands Association.
Mr Nelson said the organisations had together been involved in addressing a number of issues, including a code of conduct and flags.
He said that having emerged from the Troubles, the Orange Order now thought it was time to tackle the problem of drinking
at its parades.
"The misuse of alcohol has become a serious problem for society in general," he said.
"This type of activity and associated unruly behaviour has been seen for years in city centres every Friday and Saturday night.
"And it is increasingly finding its way into the periphery of our parades.
"We want to send a message out to the people who come to our parades that they are welcome to come and we want them to come.
"But we want them to leave their blue bags at home."
Mr Nelson said that tackling the issue would be a "long and slow" process.
He said that a "softly, softly" approach was needed, and warned that "if we try to force the pace of change it will only rebound on us".
A spokesman from the Loyal Orders and Bands Association said it wanted to promote all parades and events as "inclusive and for the enjoyment of all our citizens".
He added: "We welcome support from all those who share our aim of promoting our parades and events as colourful expressions of a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
"We believe that all our parades should be freely enjoyed by the entire community, including those visiting Northern Ireland.
"In wishing to promote a
family-friendly atmosphere at all our parades, we want everyone to feel free to come along and enjoy the unique spectacle which epitomises Ulster Protestant culture across the world."
In a statement, the Order has also asked spectators to "act responsibly and respectfully" during this year's events, in accordance with local council bye-laws in relation to alcohol consumption.
"Alcohol misuse and associated misbehaviour is discouraging some families from attending and enjoying our parades," said the statement.
"In that context we would appeal to the licensed trade to be particularly vigilant around the time of the parades in relation to the procurement of alcohol by or on behalf of minors and children."