Deutsche Bahn will roll out a nationwide alcohol ban at all 5,400 stations, extending the existing restrictions to forbid drinking beer, wine, spirits, or any alcohol on platforms and in station halls outside of dining areas.

The current bans exist mainly at large stations such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Cologne; the new policy will expand this rule under DB’s house rules in coordination with municipalities and authorities.

The rollout is scheduled to be completed by mid-October 2026, with the prohibition covering all platforms and station halls outside catering areas.

DB Chief Evelyn Palla underscored the move as a shift toward safety, emphasizing protecting staff and travelers as the primary goal.

The policy follows rising violence on trains and at stations, including a deadly attack on a train conductor earlier this year, which spurred a Bahn security summit and a renewed focus on staff safety.

The announcement has been reported by Bild and corroborated by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, with Handelsblatt providing the context and phrasing from these sources.

The article places the shift within a broader security strategy to reduce incidents and boost riders’ sense of safety.

This policy expands existing restrictions from major hubs to the entire network to improve safety and order on trains and at stations.

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof’s prior alcohol ban, implemented in April 2024, is cited as a successful example of reduced conflicts, better safety, and lower cleaning costs.

Enforcement will involves DB security staff and the Federal Police, with immediate ejection for illegal consumption and the possibility of permanent bans after repeated violations.

Violations can trigger verbal warnings, place bans, or house bans upon repetition, with security personnel and federal police enforcing the rule.

Overall, the plan aims to reduce conflicts and increase safety by expanding the existing ban from select stations to the nationwide network.