A cold lager and a takeaway currywurst on the platform while waiting for your train is almost de rigueur at German railway stations.
No more.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is introducing a nationwide ban on alcohol consumption at all of its railway stations as part of a major safety initiative designed to protect passengers and frontline staff, news hub Travel Mole reports.
The measure will be rolled out across Germany’s 5,400 train stations in phases and will be fully implemented by October 15.DB said the decision follows a series of violent incidents, including what it described as a “brutal and senseless” attack on July 17 on a train driver.
The rail operator said the incident reinforced concerns about the connection between excessive alcohol consumption and violent behaviour at stations.
“We are taking decisive action by removing alcohol consumption from our stations,” said DB CEO Evelyn Palla.
“We are taking decisive action by removing alcohol consumption from our stations,” said DB CEO Evelyn Palla.
“Too often we have seen that where large amounts of alcohol are consumed, violence also increases. The recent attack has shown once again why this step is necessary. We are serious about improving safety for our employees and our passengers.“
The alcohol ban will be introduced under Deutsche Bahn’s station regulations. Local station rules will be updated over the coming weeks in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities and local administrations before the policy takes effect nationwide.
Several major German stations already prohibit alcohol consumption. Around 30 stations, have operated under these restrictions, including Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Ostbahnhof, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich.
DB says the results have been positive.
The alcohol ban will be introduced under Deutsche Bahn’s station regulations. Local station rules will be updated over the coming weeks in cooperation with municipalities, public authorities and local administrations before the policy takes effect nationwide.
Several major German stations already prohibit alcohol consumption. Around 30 stations, have operated under these restrictions, including Berlin Zoologischer Garten and Berlin Ostbahnhof, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Mannheim and Munich.
DB says the results have been positive.
“The experience has been clear,” Palla said. “Alcohol-free stations mean less violence and less litter.“
The next phase of the rollout begins on September 1, when Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig stations will become alcohol-free. The remaining stations across the country will follow in stages through mid-October.
The ban applies only to alcohol consumption in station areas. Restaurants, cafés and other licensed food and beverage outlets located inside stations are exempt and may continue serving alcoholic drinks under existing regulations.
The next phase of the rollout begins on September 1, when Berlin Central Station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Kiel and Braunschweig stations will become alcohol-free. The remaining stations across the country will follow in stages through mid-October.
The ban applies only to alcohol consumption in station areas. Restaurants, cafés and other licensed food and beverage outlets located inside stations are exempt and may continue serving alcoholic drinks under existing regulations.
Passengers will also still be allowed to carry unopened alcoholic beverages in their luggage or shopping bags while travelling.
Anyone caught violating the new rules will initially be ordered to leave the station. Repeat offenders may face a permanent ban from stations.
Anyone caught violating the new rules will initially be ordered to leave the station. Repeat offenders may face a permanent ban from stations.
No comments:
Post a Comment