In an interview broadcast on 21 July 2026, Deutsche Bahn (DB) management confirmed that alcohol consumption will be prohibited at all 5,400 German railway stations from 15 October. The move follows a spike in violent incidents against rail staff and passengers. DB Security teams will enforce the ban, backed by the Federal Police when criminal offences occur. The German Police Union (GdP) welcomed the measure but argued it is incomplete unless extended to on-board trains, where many assaults originate. GdP deputy chairman Alexander Poitz told ZDF that DB must expand body-camera trials and increase staff numbers to police the new rules effectively. For business travellers and expatriates who rely heavily on rail for intra-German assignments, the policy shift could alter lounge and catering practices. Corporate travel policies should be updated to warn visiting executives that open alcoholic beverages will no longer be permitted on platforms and concourses, with fines or removal possible for non-compliance. From a mobility-management perspective, the ban is part of a broader security drive in German public transport, following recent knife attacks on regional services. Rail operators in neighbouring Austria and Switzerland are monitoring the German approach as they weigh similar restrictions.
Source: ZDFheute
