German railway to ban alcohol at all stations with exemptions
8 reported
Germany’s national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, announced Tuesday a ban on alcohol consumption at all stations on its network, citing security and cleanliness concerns for employees and passengers. The ban will be introduced step-by-step at all 5,400 stations by Oct. 15, with some stations already enforcing it, including in Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich. Berlin’s central and Gesundbrunnen stations will join on Sept. 1 before the nationwide expansion. Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla referenced a recent attack where an intoxicated passenger allegedly beat and kicked a security staff member during a ticket check, causing the employee to fall from a moving train. Violators will be removed from stations, and repeat offenders could face a permanent ban. Exemptions include in-station bars and restaurants, and passengers may carry closed bottles or cans of alcohol in luggage. The ban does not apply on board trains, where alcoholic drinks are sold in dining cars on many long-distance services.
What’s reported
Deutsche Bahn announced a ban on alcohol consumption at all 5,400 stations by Oct. 15.
Bans are already in place at 30 stations, including Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich.
Berlin’s central and Gesundbrunnen stations will implement the ban on Sept. 1.
CEO Evelyn Palla cited a recent attack where an intoxicated passenger allegedly assaulted a security staff member, causing the employee to fall from a moving train.
Violators will be removed from stations; repeat offenders may receive a permanent ban.
Exemptions include in-station caterers and closed alcohol containers in luggage or shopping bags.
The ban does not apply on board trains; alcoholic drinks are sold in dining cars on many long-distance trains.
Germany’s railway network totals about 33,400 kilometers (20,750 miles), used by an average 50,000 trains per day.
Key figures
Evelyn Palla, CEO of Deutsche Bahn
Sources: abcnews.com
