ACT Police confirmed issuing three Criminal Infringement Notices at the John XXIII College annual ball, held late last month, in which 390 attendees were cut off from alcohol and escorted off The Deck at Regatta Point after the male toilets were damaged.

When police arrived, they observed that ‘‘the majority of patrons were intoxicated’’.

The ball, which is a highlight of residential college life, descended after 10pm, when the manager of the restaurant found three male toilet doors had been pulled off their hinges and glass was smashed in the bathroom.

The service of alcohol was stopped and, when students protested, police were called.

An ACT police spokesman said ‘‘apart from one small group, the majority of patrons then left the premises voluntarily.’’

Three patrons, including one John’s resident were taken into custody, and all were issued with Criminal Infringement Notices after failing to leave a licensed premise.

This included an on-the-spot fine of $440 each.

The three party-goers were escorted to the city watchhouse to sober up.

A spokeswoman for the Deck at Regatta Point confirmed the extent of the damage and said the restaurant was seeking appropriate compensation from the Australian National University.

She said it was highly unlikely the venue would host another ANU student event.

Head of John XXIII College, Stephen Foley was called in on the night, and cancelled the post-ball after party organized by the Johns Residents’ Association scheduled for the next morning.

He said the incident involved some college residents, former residents and their friends – some of whom have now been banned from college events.

‘‘The College has high expectations of good behaviour from its residents, and is disappointed by allegations that our residents may have been involved in an incident that is inconsistent with those high expectations,’’ Mr Foley said.