German homelessness aid group criticizes planned alcohol ban at train stations

Germany's national homelessness aid organization has voiced strong opposition to Deutsche Bahn's proposed nationwide alcohol ban at train stations, arguing it will disproportionately harm homeless individuals struggling with addiction.

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A ban does not change the living situation of the people who stay at the station, but merely displaces them from view.

Joachim Krauß, deputy managing director of the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Wohnungslosenhilfe, told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) that the ban will not improve the living conditions of those who frequent stations. Instead, he warned, it will merely push them out of sight and into areas offering less protection and fewer connections to support systems.

Krauß cited experiences in Hamburg, where a similar ban has reportedly led to the displacement of homeless individuals into adjacent city districts. Currently, around 30 major German stations have such bans, but Deutsche Bahn aims to extend it to all 5,400 stations nationwide by October 15, 2026.

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Too often we have had to note that where too much alcohol flows, violence also increases.

Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla justified the plan by stating, "Too often we have had to note that where too much alcohol flows, violence also increases." While the federal government's drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, called the initiative "right" and suggested it would make travelers feel safer, questions linger regarding the practical implementation and enforcement responsibilities between Deutsche Bahn's security personnel and the federal police.

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If less alcohol at train stations leads to travelers feeling safer and families feeling more comfortable, that is a win for everyone.