politics
Deutsche Bahn to Ban Alcohol Consumption at Stations but Keep Sales Onboard and Sealed Bottles in Luggage
Germany's national railway operator will phase out drinking at stations nationwide by mid-October. The policy targets security and cleanliness after a recent attack on staff.
Jul 21, 7:27 AM·1m read1 source
The IndependentAudio version
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Deutsche Bahn announced Tuesday that it will ban alcohol consumption at all stations on its network while still permitting sealed bottles in luggage and sales at station bars and on trains. The measure will roll out in stages across 5,400 stations and reach full effect by Oct. 15. Bans already apply at 30 stations, including those in Cologne, Hamburg and Munich.
Berlin's central station and Gesundbrunnen station will follow on Sept. 1. The Independent reported that Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla linked the decision to rising violence. “We have observed too often that violence increases where too much alcohol flows,” she said.
She cited a recent case in which an intoxicated passenger allegedly beat and kicked a security employee during a ticket check, causing the employee to fall from a moving train. Passengers who drink at stations will be removed. Repeat offenders may receive permanent bans from the premises.
In-station bars and restaurants remain exempt, and travelers may carry sealed bottles or cans in luggage. The prohibition does not extend to trains. Germany's rail network spans 33,400 kilometers and carries an average of 50,000 trains each day, according to Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure division.
