Just because people need the money doesn't give them a right to price gouge. The people who are saying, "whats the big deal?" are probably thinking, "I'm on vacation, what's a few more bucks? I'm here to enjoy myself"... but there is a difference between charging a fair price and price gouging. And then on top of that, should I still tip the bartender? Now we're at $6 a beer! Sure, if you've got a beautiful, private spot on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, you can charge a bit more. But a bar down a side street with no view to speak of, it's price gouging and taking advantage of the tourists. Those beers cost them less than a buck each. Why should there be a 500% markup? $30 for a six-pack?

I realize that times are tough, and that they need to make a buck... and I like going out of my way to spend money with the locals when I visit, and many times I will CHOOSE to overpay by leaving a very large tip... but when my store has a bad month I don't start charging everyone double to make up for it!