THE Orange Order has released a report hailing as a "great success" a campaign last year urging people to cut back on boozing over the Twelfth.
The 'Battle not the Bottle' campaign – which received more than £45,000 of public funding – included bus advertising, billboards and 21,000 free bottles of water handed out during the main Belfast parade.
A document examining the alcohol awareness initiative says there was a visible reduction in street drinking and larger crowds in attendance on the day.
Of retailers surveyed, 46 per cent said they witnessed street drinking compared to 66 per cent in 2015.
And 62 per cent agreed that a family-friendly atmosphere had been created, according to the review.
The Belfast Orangefest Twelfth report, presented in a fold-out leaflet, also said there was a 19 per cent increase in bed spaces sold in Belfast.
The Orange Order said the report was compiled by an independent consultant.
However, it was unable to say how many retailers were surveyed, referring queries to Belfast City Centre Management, and said tourism officials provided other figures.
Senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson, who sits on the Orangefest committee, praised the campaign and said its message would again be promoted during this year's Twelfth.
"Attitudes and habits will not be changed by one campaign. Belfast County Grand Lodge, along with all our partners, look forward to building on last year's progress to ensure the Twelfth becomes an enjoyable event for all those who live in and visit this great city," he said.
Last year's campaign received funding from the Public Health Agency, the first and deputy first ministers' office, the Housing Executive and Belfast's Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
DUP councillor Brian Kingston commended the initiative for helping to create an "even more enjoyable day for participants and spectators alike".
