A Nationwide Shift Toward Safer Public Transport
Deutsche Bahn (DB) plans to introduce alcohol-free environments across all 5,400 train stations in Germany by October 15, 2026.
The railway company says the measure aims to improve safety and well-being for all passengers and employees while reducing conflicts, violence, and waste linked to alcohol use.
The policy will cover platforms, station halls and, in some locations, other parts of the station area.
Germany Expands Alcohol-Free Railway Environments
Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla announced the nationwide measure on July 21, 2026. She linked the policy directly to concerns about alcohol-related violence and the safety of railway workers and passengers.
“We are taking action: We are banning alcohol consumption from our train stations. Too often we have found that where too much alcohol flows, violence also increases,” said Evelyn Palla, according to Deutsche Bahn’s announcement.
Evelyn Palla, CEO, Deutsche Bahn
The policy will extend rules that already apply at around 30 German train stations, including major stations in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.
The rollout will happen gradually. Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig are scheduled to introduce alcohol-free rules from September 1. Other stations will follow until mid-October.
Licensed station catering will remain exempt. Passengers can also carry alcohol in closed luggage or carry alcohol they have purchased. However, alcohol use in covered station areas will no longer be permitted.
DB security personnel and the Federal Police will oversee compliance. People who violate the rules may face expulsion from the premises, while repeated violations can result in a ban from the station. According to the reports, refusal to comply could also lead to a criminal complaint to the Federal Police.
Alcohol-Free Stations Improve Safety and Access for All to Public Spaces
Deutsche Bahn’s decision builds on experience from stations that already ensure alcohol-free environments. For example, Hamburg Central Station introduced its alcohol policy in April 2024. An initial assessment found that conflicts and disputes decreased noticeably. Travelers also reported a stronger sense of security, while cleaning efforts declined.
In fact, Deutsche Bahn describes the experience in simple terms: “Alcohol-free means: less violence and less waste.”
The policy also follows a serious incident in Baden-Württemberg. According to reports, a 26-year-old railway security officer fell from a moving regional train during an altercation with a 36-year-old passenger who was allegedly alcohol intoxicated. The incident intensified national discussion about safety for railway workers.
However, enforcement presents a significant challenge. Alexander Poitz, deputy federal chairman of the Police Union, supports alcohol-free stations in principle but warns that current staffing levels may not support consistent enforcement. He has also argued that the alcohol-free stations policy should extend to trains, according to BR reporting.
The railway and transport union EVG and passenger organisation Pro Bahn have welcomed the station policy, too, while stressing the need for adequate staffing and careful enforcement. EVG leader Martin Burkert has called for more trained railway security personnel and a broader Federal Police presence.
Germany Joins A Wider Move Toward Alcohol-Free Environments
Deutsche Bahn’s approach fits into a broader international policy trend that recognises the value of alcohol-free public environments.
For example, a June 2026 report by Movendi International about Thailand describes new nationwide rules covering alcohol availability in transport settings. Thailand’s updated framework includes train stations, trains, ferry terminals, public piers and passenger transport stations. The policy aims to create clearer standards, improve public order, and promote safer and more inclusive communities. Research also highlights the role of alcohol-free transport environments in supporting the safety of passengers and workers.
Prague provides another relevant example. In 2022 the Czech capital increased its alcohol-free public spaces from 800 to more than 1,000, a 25% increase to improve residents’ quality of life by reducing risks and harms caused by alcohol, including noise, litter, rowdiness and violence.
Similarly, Istanbul also introduced measures to create more alcohol-free public spaces in areas such as waterfronts, beaches, parks, picnic areas and recreational sites. Authorities responded to complaints about disturbances, security concerns and disruption of public peace due to alcohol.
Putting Safety And Well-Being First
These examples point to a common principle: public transport and public spaces are for everyone and should allow people to travel, work, relax, socialise, and participate in community life free from facing avoidable alcohol harms.
Germany’s planned nationwide railway policy therefore represents a deliberate decision to put safety and well-being for all first. It places safety, inclusion, and public well-being for all at the centre of how people experience railway spaces.
For passengers, an alcohol-free station means fewer risks of conflict, violence, threats, and a greater sense of security and enjoyment. For railway employees, it can support safer working conditions. For communities, it can mean cleaner and more welcoming public spaces.
The German experience will also provide an important opportunity to assess how consistently alcohol-free railway environments can improve safety across a national transport network.
Sources
Deutsche Bahn (Press Release): “Deutsche Bahn: Alkoholkonsumverbot an allen Bahnhöfen” / “Deutsche Bahn: Alcohol consumption ban at all stations”
rbb24: “Deutsche Bahn verbietet Alkohol an allen Bahnhöfen” / “Deutsche Bahn bans alcohol at all stations”