[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

The only people who would NOT drink if they had to pay would be people who, normally, don't drink to excess anyway.

In the interest of traffic accidents and, to a lesser extent, assaultive behavior in-flight alcohol should only be served on flights of 4 hours or more: Serving first 2 hours, "bar closed" last two hours. Accordingly this would make most domestic flights "dry."

I think it's just a matter of time before a judge, somewhere, finds an airline liable under a "host liability" law. There was a case, in the Atlanta area, not too long ago. Unfortunately the airline was Delta. So it's probably a fantasy to imagine an Atlanta area judge would rule against Delta.

Finally it's interesting to note that one of the biggest opponents to banning or restricting alcohol service on flights are flight attendants. I'll resist the temptation to conclude that flight attendants want booze on flights so they can then have the customer arrested for in-flight intoxication (an FAA rule violation.) Rather I'll assume they think otherwise bothersome customers will shut-up if they're stewed.