Deutsche Bahn reports 5,000 alcohol violations in first week

Following the nationwide implementation of an alcohol ban at all Deutsche Bahn stations on October 15, the company reported approximately 5,000 violations within the first seven days. The ban, which applies to station halls and platforms, aims to improve safety and cleanliness at approximately 5,700 stations.

Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla described the initial results as positive, stating that “the clear message is working.” Security personnel have been instructed to prioritize verbal warnings and education; most individuals caught were reportedly compliant and put their alcohol away. Official bans from premises (Hausverweise) were issued only in a few isolated cases.

To enforce the new rules, security staff numbers were increased from 4,500 to 5,000. The ban does not extend to restaurants located within stations or to alcohol consumption on trains, where sales continue in long-distance board bistros. An internal survey indicated that roughly 80 percent of customers support the measure.