Deutsche Bahn to Ban Alcohol at Over 5,000 Train Stations

Deutsche Bahn announced a nationwide prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic drinks at roughly 5,400 railway stations in Germany, set to take effect from October. The ban covers all alcoholic beverages on platforms and station halls, with an exception for licensed food outlets operating inside stations. Violators may be expelled and could face a long‑term entry ban.

The railway operator cites earlier pilots at major hubs such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne, where the rule led to fewer altercations, reduced security interventions and lower cleaning costs. To enforce the expanded ban, the German Police Union (DPolG) stresses the need for about 3,500 additional security staff and the deployment of AI‑driven video systems to detect violent behaviour early.

Local reactions appear supportive; a survey in Recklinghausen showed strong public approval for the upcoming ban at the city’s main station. The measure is presented as a step toward greater safety for passengers and employees across the German rail network.