Implementing a consistent alcohol ban at train stations and on trains appears virtually impossible given the current staffing levels within the Federal Police. Alexander Poitz, deputy chairman of the German Police Union (GdP), told RTL and ntv that there is a major personnel deficit within the police force, citing excessive overtime and ongoing sickness issues. The Federal Police are also heavily committed to managing major events and conducting border controls.
Nevertheless, Poitz strongly advocates that any ban must apply to the trains themselves. He argued that it makes no sense to enforce an alcohol prohibition at the stations only for passengers to be allowed to consume alcohol once they are on board. Although he believes that the demand for such a ban is fundamentally justified, especially in light of recent acts of violence, he cautions that enforcement will be severely challenging without additional police personnel. “I do not believe that constantly monitoring and achieving a 100% removal of alcohol from stations and trains will be possible,” Poitz concluded.
