To Prevent Spread Of Coronavirus, Airbnb Issues Global Ban On House Parties

Airbnb issued a global ban on all parties and events at its listings, capping occupancy to 16 people, it said Thursday.

The move by Airbnb is designed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus through its home listings. The ban will affect all future bookings with the site and will remain in effect “indefinitely.”

Airbnb already has policies in place that prohibit unauthorized parties at its listings. The company said that 73% of its listings globally already have a ban on parties as part of their house rules.

Last year, Airbnb issued stricter limits with a global ban on house parties that create persistent neighborhood nuisances. The company launched a 24/7 hotline for neighbors in the U.S. and Canada to report large parties to Airbnb and placed restrictions on guests under 25.

Airbnb has since introduced a COVID-19 policy that requires guests to adhere to local health mandates. But the company said with the coronavirus mandates changing across the world; several guests have brought the party atmosphere back to the homes that are listed on its site.

“We think such conduct is incredibly irresponsible – we do not want that type of business, and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior does not belong on our platform,” Airbnb said in a statement. “Based on these developments, instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health.”

Going forward, parties are prohibited from making any future bookings with Airbnb. Capacity at all listing is capped at 16 people with a possible exception for boutique hotels. Guests will be informed of Airbnb’s party rules and could be “legally pursued” by the company if they violate its policy. The company also said it may also ban guests who violate the party policy from its platform.

“We will continue to enforce our party rules against groups of any size and will be taking action both on guests and listings if we receive reports from neighbors,” Airbnb said.

The news of the new global party rule comes as Airbnb filed an IPO on Wednesday. The number of shares and price were not yet determined by the company, it said.