Dining in: The Tipline for 15 April 2020

A meal at a restaurant might seem like a distant memory in many cities under covid-19 shutdowns, but a new class action this week alleges that the restaurant dining experience was under threat before the public health crisis. Food delivery apps have “cannibalised” restaurants’ dine-in sales, a class of meal purchasers alleged on Monday, and barred restaurants from giving customers that do not use the apps – which take a commission from restaurants – a better deal. They said they are bringing the case “on behalf of all Americans who would still [like] to enjoy a nice dinner out with their family before defendants make that impossible”.