To give to the beggar who's hanging with his friends and says he wants a soda, or not to give to the beggar?

we were leaving the shopping mall last night, and as i was strapping my baby into the car seat, and my friend was putting the stroller into the trunk, a young guy (about 20) who was hanging out near the entrance with his friends, comes up to us and asks “Can I have $1.50? I want to get a soda.” he was dressed like any other 20 year old – shorts, tee shirt, sneakers. he did not look down and out. My friend reached into his pocket and handed him some change. I say giving to someone like that encourages him to beg, and it was not like he wanted the money for something critical. if he couldn’t afford, soda, then he should just drink water. my friend said no big deal. I have seen people ask for money in drug infested neighborhoods, which usually seems like they are collecting for drugs. i don’t know what this kid wanted the money for really, but it was a nice mall and he seemed like very much in the middle class, like we are.

In a situation like this, would you give, or not?