IMAGO / Rüdiger Wölk
The party’s over at Berlin’s train stations. Starting May 1, drinking a beer while waiting for your train to arrive will no longer be allowed at Ostbahnhof and Zoologischer Garten. Initially, violators of the new law will simply be asked to leave, however repeat offenders may face criminal charges.
Deutsche Bahn, the operator of the stations, cites improving cleanliness and passenger safety as reasons for the ban. The railway company believes that prohibiting alcohol consumption at stations and on their foregrounds will lead to less fights and a more orderly environment.
BZ was the first to report on the planned measures. According to their interview with a railway spokesperson, more stations are to follow suit after Zoo and Ostbahnhof. It is still officially unclear which ones and when, however a BZ journalist lists Hauptbahnhof and Lichtenberg as possible next steps.