A British tourist has sparked a new wave of controversy at a Spanish resort by secretly applying itching powder to sunbathing towels left unattended by early-morning guests. The incident, which has drawn mixed public reactions, reignited debates over the ethics of reserving prime poolside spots before sunrise.
Tom Caunce, a holidaymaker from Southport, admitted to targeting guests who consistently claimed the same loungers each morning without using them for extended periods. Over several days, he observed individuals returning daily to occupy sunbeds, only to leave them unattended for hours. His strategy involved discreetly dusting itching powder onto towels to encourage users to abandon their reserved spots.
The first attempt targeted a woman in her late 40s and her partner, who reserved identical loungers daily. When the initial sprinkling failed, Caunce adjusted his approach, opting for a second couple who repeated the same pattern. He reported success when a man later experienced visible discomfort after using the treated towel, ultimately retreating to a shaded area for the remainder of the afternoon.
Footage of the incident, which circulated online, amassed over 864,000 views and nearly 13,000 likes. Public responses were sharply divided. Some praised the act as a humorous solution to an ongoing issue, with one commenter calling it "absolute genius." Others condemned the method as excessive, arguing that alternative approaches like removing unused towels would suffice.
The resort, which has not publicly commented on the matter, remains a popular destination for sun-seekers. The incident has reignited discussions about informal customs surrounding beach and pool etiquette, with no clear resolution in sight.
