Start in four other locations The alcohol ban at train stations is being expanded. What you need to know about it
The alcohol ban comes into force in four other train stations. But what applies to the restaurants there? And is drinking also prohibited on the trains? Answers to the most important questions.
From September 1st, the alcohol ban will also apply in the main train stations in Berlin, Kiel and Braunschweig as well as in the Berlin-Gesundbrunnen station. At the end of July, Deutsche Bahn announced such a ban at all train stations in Germany, and on Tuesday it will implement it at four more stations. The federally owned company hopes that this will, among other things, improve safety for passengers and employees, and the cleanliness of the train stations will also improve.
Will alcohol really be completely banned from train stations?
No. The only thing prohibited is drinking alcoholic beverages in the station area. However, alcohol can still be sold and drunk in the catering establishments in the train station. And in principle it is also allowed to carry alcohol with you. Consumption alone is prohibited.
How many train stations is the ban already in place?
At more than 30 stations across Germany, including the main train stations of Bonn, Bremen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich.
The company says it has had positive experiences with the measure so far: "The model projects have shown that significantly less waste is generated and the ban also helps to reduce violent crime, conflicts and arguments under the influence of alcohol, for example at Hamburg Central Station," the company said. This improves the feeling of security for travelers and reduces the amount of cleaning required.
When does the ban apply at all train stations?
It is to be gradually implemented at 5,400 train stations by October 15, 2026. The ban on consumption would then apply in the entire station area, including the platforms, the railway said. In some municipalities this also includes the forecourts that belong to Deutsche Bahn. Exceptions may apply where, for example, the station building itself does not belong to it.
What happens if the ban is violated?
According to Deutsche Bahn, violations will result in expulsion. In the event of a repeat incident, a ban should be imposed.
Can the ban even be consistently enforced?
This will not be possible in practice. DB Security is responsible for enforcement. However, the railway would have to hire a lot of new employees there in order to be able to control the ban across the board. That's not planned. As far as security authorities are concerned, the federal police are responsible for the train stations, but they will not be able to step in either; unions regularly complain about staff shortages. The federal police will only be called in for the foreseeable event of conflicts.
At the same time, the question also arises as to how important consistent enforcement is and whether the ban already has a sufficient deterrent effect. The railway is satisfied with the developments at the stations where there is currently a ban on alcohol consumption, and there are no strict controls there either.
How does the railway want to proceed on Bundesliga match days?
On Bundesliga match days, tens of thousands of fans travel by train, many of them with beer or other alcohol. The new consumption ban is likely to be put to a tough test, especially on days like these. The railway announces that it does not want to act too rigorously. "In order to enforce the ban on alcohol consumption at train stations, we approach major events such as football games with a sense of proportion," said Deutsche Bahn. "Police and DB Security are visibly present in the station and de-escalate if necessary."
Is the alcohol ban now also coming on all trains?
According to the railway, this is not planned for long-distance trains. The train itself sells alcoholic drinks in the on-board bistros. Passengers can also drink alcohol they have brought with them on board the trains, "as long as this is done within an appropriate framework and fellow passengers are not disturbed." Mutual consideration is crucial.
There are already very different regulations in regional transport. Some associations, for example in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich or Nuremberg, generally prohibit alcohol consumption on regional trains. Anyone who poses a danger to other passengers or to the safety and order of operations can generally be expelled from the train. Some private railways have also been banning alcohol consumption on trains for many years.
