Germany's national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, is set to introduce a comprehensive ban on alcohol consumption at all 5,400 of its train stations across the country. The measure, intended to bolster safety for both employees and passengers, will be fully rolled out by 15 October 2026.
The move comes after a recent incident described by Deutsche Bahn chief executive Evelyn Palla as a "brutal and senseless attack." A security staff member was allegedly beaten and kicked by a drunk passenger during a ticket check, resulting in the employee falling from a moving train and sustaining injuries. Palla stated that violence has been observed to increase where excessive alcohol consumption occurs.
While the nationwide ban is upcoming, alcohol consumption is already prohibited at 30 stations, including key hubs in Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg. Berlin's central and Gesundbrunnen stations are scheduled to implement the ban from 1 September 2026, ahead of the broader national expansion.
Passengers found flouting the new rules will be removed from stations, with repeat offenders facing the possibility of a permanent ban from the railway network. However, in-station caterers will be exempt from the ban, and individuals will still be permitted to carry closed bottles and cans of alcohol within their luggage or shopping bags. Notably, the ban will not extend to trains themselves, where alcoholic beverages will continue to be sold in dining cars on many long-distance routes.
Germany, the European Union's most populous nation, boasts Europe’s largest railway network, spanning 20,750 miles and facilitating approximately 50,000 train journeys daily. This extensive network underscores the significant impact of such a broad policy change.