Yesterday, Airbnb announced a global ban on all house parties and events at listings, including a cap on occupancy at 16. The decision complies with limits on gatherings as imposed by governments worldwide, amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Criticism from other organisations such as UK’s Bed and Breakfast Association who warned that lockdown parties hosted in Airbnb properties was putting communities at risk, could also have pressured Airbnb into the new restrictions.
The firm says it will pursue legal action if guests or hosts break the rules. “Instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health,” Airbnb said in a statement.
The firm also added that 73% of Airbnb listing explicitly banned parties but some hosts allowed small parties such as baby showers or birthday celebrations. Despite this, Airbnb acknowledged that some of guest had chosen to “take bar and club behaviour to homes sometimes rented through our platforms”.
“We think such conduct is incredibly irresponsible – we do not want that type of business, and anyone engaged in or allowing that behaviour does not belong on our platform,” the company said in a statement.
The move complements Airbnb’s stricter stance on irresponsible hosts, having previously prevented some under-25s in the UK from booking entire homes, earlier this month.
Airbnb has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic but that has not stopped them from plans to list on the stock market. In April it raised $2bn (MYR8.3 bn) from investors, who valued it at $18bn.