In Germany, alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores, gas stations and even newspaper stands. It can be consumed in restaurants, cafes and snack bars, and it's not uncommon to see people drinking in parks, on the streets and even on public transport.
Drinking in public so openly is a phenomenon that only began about five years ago, according to Lang. He posited that the development might have had to with the increased popularity of alcopops, alcohol mixed with soda designed to appeal to young consumers. But they don't stop at that.
"At the moment you see younger and younger people drinking beer, which is becoming more accepted," he added.