Deutsche Bahn is to ban alcohol consumption at all the stations it manages in Germany. The measure will be phased in by 15 October 2026 and is justified by the link between excessive alcohol consumption, violence and incidents involving staff and passengers.
The German rail operator Deutsche Bahn – DB has announced that it will ban the consumption of alcohol at all of the approximately 5,400 stations it manages nationwide.
The new rule will be phased in and is set to come into force across the entire network by 15 October 2026.
“We are taking firm action: we are banning alcohol consumption at our stations. We have seen all too often that where too much alcohol is consumed, violence also increases,” said Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn.
The decision follows a violent attack last Friday, which the company says has once again demonstrated the link between alcohol and assaults on railway premises.
The ban is being rolled out gradually across Germany
Deutsche Bahn will introduce the measure under its right to set rules on access and behaviour in the premises it manages.
Over the coming weeks, local station regulations will be amended in collaboration with the authorities and local councils.
Around 30 stations have already been designated as alcohol-free zones, including those in Cologne, Munich and Hamburg.
From 1 September, the ban will also be introduced at the following stations:
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof;
- Berlin Gesundbrunnen;
- Kiel;
- Braunschweig.
The remaining stations will follow in stages until mid-October.
“The experience at stations where the rule already applies is clear: no alcohol means less violence and less litter,” said Evelyn Palla.
Restaurants and shops are exempt
The ban applies to the consumption of alcohol in the public areas of stations, but not to the operations of restaurants, bars or other catering establishments.
Passengers will still be able to carry alcohol in their luggage or shopping, provided that the containers remain sealed.
Consequently, the measure does not prohibit the purchase or transport of alcoholic drinks, but only their consumption in areas of the station managed by Deutsche Bahn.
Passengers may be removed from the station
Anyone caught consuming alcohol will initially be asked to leave the station.
In the event of a repeat offence, Deutsche Bahn may impose a ban on entry to its premises.
The company has not announced any fines of its own, but enforcement of the measure will be the responsibility of security staff and employees responsible for ensuring compliance with station regulations.
Deutsche Bahn states that the new rule is primarily intended to protect staff and passengers, at a time when incidents of aggression on public transport have become an increasingly prominent issue in Germany.
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