Germany Bans Alcohol at Stations – Should Switzerland Follow?
Deutsche Bahn plans to ban alcohol at all 5,400 stations by mid-October. The goals are less violence and more safety, but Switzerland currently pursues a different approach.
Deutsche Bahn extends its alcohol consumption ban to all approximately 5,400 stations. The goals are less violence, fewer conflicts, and increased safety. Switzerland currently employs a different strategy.
Anyone wishing to drink a beer at a German train station will need to find another location in the future. Deutsche Bahn is gradually extending its existing alcohol consumption ban. From September 1, 2026, it will apply to four additional stations, including Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, Kiel, and Braunschweig. By October 15, the ban is expected to be in effect at all approximately 5,400 stations in Germany.
Why Is the Railway Banning Alcohol?
Deutsche Bahn primarily justifies this step with safety concerns. Alcohol can foster conflicts and altercations, affecting the sense of security for travellers and employees. Concurrently, cleaning efforts are expected to decrease.
The railway refers to experiences from previous pilot projects. Particularly at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, the introduction of the ban led to less litter and a reduction in conflicts and altercations under the influence of alcohol. Deutsche Bahn views this as a positive effect of the ban.
However, it cannot be automatically inferred that the alcohol ban alone is responsible for the decline. Police presence, security measures, and other changes can also play a role.
What Will Be Banned in Germany?
The ban concerns the consumption of alcohol on station premises. Alcohol may generally still be carried. Restaurants and other catering establishments within the stations are also exempt from the consumption ban.
Those who violate the rules can expect to be expelled from the premises. Repeated violations may also result in a ban from the station. Deutsche Bahn relies on the presence of DB Sicherheit and the police for enforcement.
What About Switzerland?
Switzerland currently pursues a distinctly different approach. There is no general alcohol ban at SBB stations. Drinking a beer or a glass of wine is generally not prohibited there.
However, the SBB Station Regulations set a clear limit: Excessive alcohol consumption and staying on station premises in an obviously intoxicated state are not permitted.
Thus, the rule is not directed against alcohol itself, but against problematic behaviour. Those who are heavily intoxicated or disturb other travellers can be removed from a station.
Two Different Approaches
The difference between Germany and Switzerland is therefore clear: Germany aims to fundamentally prevent alcohol consumption at stations. Switzerland permits alcohol but intervenes in cases of excessive consumption and obvious intoxication.
Ultimately, both models pursue a similar goal: Stations should remain safe places for travellers and employees. The question, however, is which approach works better to achieve this.
A general ban is easier to understand and could prevent conflicts in advance. Simultaneously, it requires control and enforcement. A stricter approach against drunken or aggressive behaviour is more targeted, yet still permits alcohol for those who behave discreetly.
Does Switzerland Need an Alcohol Ban?
Whether Switzerland should follow Germany's example cannot currently be answered solely based on available data. It would first require a more precise investigation into how frequently alcohol at Swiss stations actually leads to violence, harassment, or other problems.
Another point is potential displacement: If drinking is prohibited inside the station, intoxicated individuals might move to squares and streets around the station. In that scenario, the problem might simply shift to a different location.
For Switzerland, a fundamental question thus arises: Is a ban for everyone necessary – or is it sufficient to take action against those for whom alcohol actually becomes a problem?
Germany is now opting for the first variant, aiming to universally ban alcohol consumption from its stations. Switzerland, for now, sticks to the SBB's more targeted model. Whether the German approach genuinely brings more safety should become evident in the coming years.
