Alcohol ban in Hamburg-Altona train station: safety for travelers increases!

Alcohol ban in Hamburg-Altona train station: safety for travelers increases!

From Saturday, Deutsche Bahn will be serious about safety: there will be a ban on alcohol consumption at Hamburg-Altona station. The aim is to strengthen travelers' sense of security and reduce conflicts that arise due to the influence of alcohol. This measure was urgently needed, as the experience at Hamburg Central Station shows, where a similar ban was successfully implemented in April. There was a reduction in conflicts and less cleaning effort, such as Oldenburg online newspaper reported.

The new ban covers the entire station area, including platforms and entrances. Exceptions only exist for sealed, non-alcoholic drinks that are intended for the journey home and for consumption in restaurants within the station. Station manager Michael Dominidiato emphasized that they wanted to rely on information, dialogue and a sense of proportion in the implementation. Train station employees will first inform travelers about the changed regulations. In the event of violations, you must expect to be sent off; In the event of a repeat offense, a ban will even be imposed.

Security concept for Hamburg train stations

The step to introduce the alcohol ban is in the context of the “Alliance for Safe Central Stations”, which was launched a year ago. Interior Senator Andy Grote and Police Chief Falk Schnabel draw a positive conclusion from the measures taken so far. A ban on alcohol consumption, which came into force on April 1, 2024, also applies on Hachmannplatz and Heidi-Kabel-Platz, where the consumption and carrying of alcoholic beverages is also prohibited. Violations can result in fines of 40 euros to 200 euros if you repeatedly violate the regulation, informed hamburg.de.

The recently introduced ban on weapons also contributes to security and order in public perception. Since October 1, 2023, over 230 knives and numerous prohibited items have been seized. Video surveillance at the main train station will be further expanded and the police presence on the station areas will be increased. In addition, Deutsche Bahn has tightened its house rules, which means there are now clear rules for dealing with alcohol in its facilities.

Social backgrounds

Alcohol bans in public are not a novelty in Germany; many cities have already successfully taken similar measures. A look at the Wikipedia The page on the topic shows that cities such as Marburg, Freiburg and Hanover have implemented such regulations in order to reduce harassment and violent crimes committed by people who are heavily intoxicated. In Hamburg itself, there has been a ban on alcohol on local public transport since 2011, which shows that cleanliness and safety are a high priority in the public eye.

The new measures at Hamburg-Altona train station not only add another piece of the puzzle to improve safety for travelers, but also increase the pressure to use alcohol responsibly. The upcoming changes are a strong signal – not only for travelers, but also for the entire city.