Alcohol Ban Reaches Last Train Stations in Eastern Germany

The ban on alcohol consumption announced by Deutsche Bahn this summer is already in effect at many train stations—and on Thursday, it will take effect at those stations that were previously exempt. This marks the completion of the phased implementation of the ban at all 5,400 train stations nationwide. Drinking will then also be prohibited at stations in Leipzig, Dresden, and Erfurt. 

According to surveys, 80 percent of passengers had expressed a desire for such a ban, said Christian Schulz, head of station management in Leipzig. Deutsche Bahn hopes this will lead to greater safety for passengers and employees. A total of 859 violent crimes were recorded at Leipzig Central Station in 2025, according to information provided by the Federal Police in response to an inquiry from the German Press Agency. Most of the crimes involved assault. 

Station forecourts are not always covered by the ban

In addition, the alcohol ban is expected to improve cleanliness. Littering at stations with such a ban has decreased, explained station manager Schulz. According to Deutsche Bahn, the company operates a total of approximately 960 train stations in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. 

The ban initially applies to all areas under Deutsche Bahn’s jurisdiction. These include, for example, train tracks and arrival areas; in some cases, station forecourts are also included, Schulz said. In Leipzig, however, the station forecourt is part of the city’s jurisdiction, according to Deutsche Bahn.

Station restaurants are not affected by the ban. Beer, wine, and whiskey are generally still permitted on both long-distance and commuter trains. Only in a few regions—such as on the S-Bahn trains in Munich—is there already a ban on alcohol, according to Deutsche Bahn.