While the activities of ticket touts may be regrettable (The Argus, May 31) they were surely foreseeable once the maximum number of tickets per buyer for Fatboy Slim's beach concert was set as high as six. This is far more than necessary.

Four or even two would have been reasonable. Any more presents every successful buyer with a tempting opportunity to profit from surplus tickets.

However, if Fatboy Slim and the organisers of the concert are sincere about ensuring a "local crowd" this can still be achieved fairly easily. They simply need to announce that ticket holders will not be allowed into the event if unable to show proof that they live in the area.

At the cost of £35 a ticket, the income generated by this event may top three-quarters of a million pounds, which should yield a fat profit after operational expenses.

As this profit is apparently not going to charity and will instead benefit private individuals, criticism of ticket touts rings rather hollow anyway.

  • Peter Reeves, St Keyna Avenue, Hove