Do you give money to beggars on the street? What about those who reek of alcohol? Do you give a meal instead?
I remember hearing on the radio once how some beggars are professionals at it and make a load of money. Of course, not ALL of them are scammers! There are so many legitimate people in need.
I very seldom give cash to beggars.
I remember one long weekend I took in Paris. On the Saturday I was walking down the Champs Elysees and saw a beggar in a horrible condition, so much so I was shocked. He was literally dressed in rags, barefoot, dirty, propped on a stick with his hand outstretched. Being used to London beggars I was still shocked to see someone in such a state and was about to give him some money but then I noticed another beggar just like him barely 50 yards further down, and another one another 50 or so yards further down.
On the Sunday they were still there. On the Monday there wasn't a beggar to be seen. Maybe they all raised enough money they didn't need to beg any more, maybe they were at their day jobs. Either way I don't want to encourage that sort of thing - I'd rather give money to a homeless shelter than to someone who may just go and buy drink or drugs.
For me the bottom line is that I don't mind going without a beer if it means someone else, even a complete stranger, can eat where they might not have done before. I'm less inclined to go without a beer so a complete stranger can have a beer.