Lure Restaurant's popular monthly Full Moon party was marred by violence on Saturday night, with the event shut down early after a fight broke out. 

"It would appear that a group of youths came up [to Port Douglas] with the intent to become involved in a melee, and as a result, a number of youths were assaulted," said Port Douglas Police Sergeant Damian Meadows. 

All partygoers were forced to move on shortly after police intervened. One Port Douglas resident said she was refused entry around 11pm. 

"I was told the party was shutting down because of a fight," she said.

Saturday's event coincided with the start of Schoolies week, when school-leavers celebrate the end of high school, leading to speculation some visiting school-leavers were involved.

"I think it would be fair to say that a number of the people [at the Full Moon party] were 'Schoolies' aged; the crowd was a lot younger than at previous similar functions," said Sergeant Meadows.

Lure’s Gerry Hughes said he and business partner Wayne Stapleton “are nothing but disappointed and disgraced by what occurred.”

Mr Hughes said as well as the “large majority of Port Douglas & Mossman locals, tourists have attended our Full Moon parties.”

“Previously, we have not had any trouble. We've had nothing but praise from all who have attended previously, stating not only that this type of event is something needed for locals and tourists but, more importantly, praising the location (marina boardwalk, under the night sky), setup and equipment, [including] lasers, three metre LED music graphic screen, facilities supplied, additional toilets, tables, beach sun lounges and…imported DJs.

“We have also increased our licensed area of operation so as patrons aren't shoulder to shoulder. The event is fully secured by 7ft fencing, to not only to satisfy our liquor licensed requirement, but to protect our patrons from unwelcome outsiders. Our age demographic on Saturday night ranged from 18 years old, to 72 years young - local and tourist."

Mr Hughes described the event’s troublemakers as “20 to 25-year-old males from Cairns”.

“I feel their intention was nothing but fully pre-meditated, with no other reason to attend the event than to cause trouble. These young thugs weren't there to enjoy the sensational laser show, fluro body painting, and dance the night away to the DJs we flew up from the Gold Coast - unlike our return local patrons.”

Mr Hughes said he and Mr Stapleton spoke to Sergeant Meadows after the first Full Moon party, “and received no negative feedback.”

“We met up with Sergeant Meadows two weeks ago to discuss how we could improve this event, as their experience and feedback is imperative. One of his [Sergeant Meadows’] suggestions was to increase security, being vigilance, identification checks, [and] bags checks, which we did for this event. All recommendations were implemented.

“Lure Restaurant runs and operates several local events during the year, including Carnivale’s Seafood Extravaganza (3500 people), Porttoberfest Beers of the World festival (1500 people), and Port Douglas Fishing tournament,  [plus] 35 wedding per year, large corporate functions, and over 30 cruise ship [visits] per year. All this, every year, with no trouble!"

Whether or not Lure continues the monthly Full Moon parties depends on several factors, according to Mr Hughes. These include “licensing, public liability, security, and consultation with Sergeant Meadows.”

“It would be a shame for these events to cease through the disgraceful behaviour of a few individuals. Local publicans will not put up with or condone this behaviour.

“We would like to apologise to all who attended, as we decided to close the event prematurely at 11.30pm. But we were concerned about the safety of the patrons that were there at the event. The security we had [hired] made the call, [and] we also agreed with that call to shut down.

“I would like to thank all who have attended our events at Lure Restaurant and commend them on their behaviour.  We are all there to have a good time!”