Making the COVID-19 Pandemic Marginally Worse, Airlines Are Banning Alcohol

The one good thing about flying besides those cookies

We knew that the new coronavirus pandemic would fundamentally change the way we travel for a while, but this is a bummer. A number of airlines, including KLM, Delta and American Airlines are suspending part or all of their alcohol services, in order to minimize the number of interactions between crew and passengers.

Some airlines are limiting drink service to water only, according to CNN, or to water and soft drinks. Delta will be removing alcohol from its domestic flights, though it will still be available on international flights. According to Virgin Airlines, the decision to suspend alcohol service was among the changes made to “ensure the health and safety of our customers and our people,” though it’s unclear how serving someone alcohol is riskier than serving them water. Maybe it’s just another reason to hold off on air travel for the time being, if you can.

And in other news...

• The national sourdough craze might be over, as baking goods prices return to normal. [NPR]
• Subway franchisees are angry about a new two-for-$10 footlong promotion, which they say isn’t profitable. [The Takeout]
• American meat plants have sent record amounts of pork to China. [NYTimes]
• Artisanal cheesemakers have a huge backlog of cheese, as specialty markets and restaurants remain closed. [Modern Farmer]
• Three cops fell ill after drinking milkshakes at a Shake Shack in Manhattan last night, leading the Detectives’ Endowment Association and the NYC PBA to claim the cops had been “intentionally poisoned.” However, the NYPD said no criminality was found. [CBS News]
• High-end restaurants might be the driving force behind a new generation of meal kits. [Modern Retail]
• DoorDash will begin delivering non-food items from convenience stores. [Engadget]
• World’s 50 Best is launching 50 Best For Recovery, a program offering financial relief for those in the food industry. It’s beginning by running a fundraising auction, featuring experiences with well-known chefs. [50 Best]

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