Deutsche Bahn bans alcohol at around 5,700 train stations from October 15

A notice at Halle Central Station informs passengers about the alcohol ban. The new regulation has applied at all train stations since Thursday. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Heiko Rebsch

An after-work beer on the platform or one for the journey to a Bundesliga match — since midnight, that has been prohibited at all train stations in Germany. As of Thursday, a nationwide alcohol ban applies at all approximately 5,700 stations operated by Deutsche Bahn, including the platforms.

Restaurants located within the stations are exempt from the ban. Alcohol may generally still be consumed on trains — in the onboard bistros of long-distance trains, Deutsche Bahn even sells it itself. Exceptions may also apply where station buildings are not owned by DB.

Purpose of the Ban

The so-called alcohol consumption ban is intended to make train stations safer and cleaner, according to Deutsche Bahn. The goal is to make spending time at stations more pleasant. One incident in Baden-Württemberg served as a catalyst for the measure.

In July, a 26-year-old security employee of Deutsche Bahn was punched and kicked by a 36-year-old passenger during a ticket inspection on a regional train, according to findings by the public prosecutor's office. During the scuffle, the train door gave way and the railway employee fell through a gap out of the moving train. The 36-year-old is alleged to have been intoxicated.

Enforcement with Discretion

The ban is part of Deutsche Bahn's house rules, giving the company's security personnel a basis for enforcement. During their patrols, they are expected to approach individuals violating the ban. Those who do not comply will be addressed with discretion, according to the railway. In the worst case, a ban from the premises could follow.

"The alcohol consumption ban applies at train stations every day, including on days of major events," said Deutsche Bahn spokesperson Anja Bröker, referring to events such as Bundesliga matches in various cities. The new ban is likely to be put to a particularly tough test on such days. Here too, however, Deutsche Bahn said it would rely on sensitivity and discretion.

Positive Experience at Major Stations

At nearly 40 major train stations, beer, wine, and similar beverages have already been prohibited for some time. These include the main stations in Cologne, Kiel, Heidelberg, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin. According to Deutsche Bahn, the experience has been positive. The ban has led to fewer conflicts and less litter, said Bröker. Travelers and employees feel more comfortable at the stations.

Mirko Schwärzel of the national management of the Bahnhofsmission (Station Mission) emphasized at a press event with Deutsche Bahn that the implementation of the ban must not lead to unequal treatment and stigmatization. "The rules must then apply to everyone." Partygoers and football fans must be treated the same as homeless individuals. Schwärzel also warned against pushing the problem into the surroundings of the stations. Fundamentally, the Bahnhofsmission supports Deutsche Bahn's initiative.