The passenger association Pro Bahn welcomes the continued implementation of the alcohol ban at German railway stations but still requires clarification regarding the popular on-site pubs. According to Ehrenvorsitzende (Honorary Chairman) Detlef Neuß, speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” such establishments exist at many stations. He noted, “In the pub, you can drink as much as you want; not even a Radler [light beer] is prohibited beforehand.” He stressed that the railway must explain this contradiction.
Nevertheless, Neuß asserted that a general alcohol ban is sensible, arguing that alcohol consumption often exacerbates extreme situations and arguments on trains. He conceded, however, that the ban would likely have limited impact during large-scale events such as football matches. “It will be helpful in individual cases, but for large groups, such a ban has a more limited effect,” Neuß said. Furthermore, he pointed out that the railway cannot control “whether people arrive already intoxicated.”
A few weeks ago, Deutsche Bahn announced a nationwide alcohol consumption ban at all German train stations. The implementation of this ban began this Tuesday at four additional stations: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, Kiel, and Braunschweig.
