Deutsche Bahn Bans Alcohol at All 5,400 Stations by October 15
Germany's national railway operator is phasing in an alcohol ban across its entire station network to reduce violence and improve safety for passengers and staff. The measure follows a violent attack last week.
Deutsche Bahn announced on July 21 that it will prohibit alcohol consumption at all 5,400 stations it manages across Germany, with the ban fully implemented by October 15, 2026. The move comes after escalating alcohol-related violence and incidents at rail facilities, including a violent attack the previous Friday. The ban applies to platforms, station halls, and other public station areas.
What's Covered
The alcohol ban will be phased in starting September 1 at major hubs including Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel, and Braunschweig. The measure follows a similar policy already in effect at 30 stations, including those in Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, which Deutsche Bahn says has been successful in reducing conflicts and litter.
What's Exempt
Station restaurants, bars, and other licensed food services remain exempt. Passengers can still carry sealed alcohol in luggage or shopping bags and consume drinks on board trains. Anyone caught drinking in prohibited areas faces removal from the station; repeat offenders could be banned permanently. The company says compliance will be monitored by DB security and federal police.
For travellers: If you use German trains regularly, expect the ban to take effect gradually at your local station between now and mid-October. You can still drink in station cafés, carry sealed bottles through stations, and enjoy drinks on long-distance trains—the rule only applies to open consumption in public station areas.
Sources
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