Airbnb bans parties amid continued coronavirus outbreaks - CNET

Airbnb on Thursday introduced a global party ban that prohibits parties and event of all types at its listings worldwide and caps house occupancy at 16 people. The move, which Airbnb said aims to address continued public health concerns around the coronavirus pandemic, comes just one day after the home rental company revealed that it had filed paperwork to go public. 

The ban impacts all future bookings and will be in effect until further notice, Airbnb said Thursday. The company said as public health mandates have placed restrictions on venues like bars and clubs, it's seen some people take those types of gatherings to homes rented on its platform. 

"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," the company wrote in a blog post. "Based on these developments, instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health."

Airbnb banned large "house parties" in 2019, but the company left it up to hosts to decide if smaller gatherings like birthdays and baby showers were appropriate for their home and neighborhood. When public health mandates were put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, Airbnb said it removed the "event-friendly" search filter from its platform and required all users to adhere to local laws. 

Having a "simpler, global policy" will better support the majority of hosts who already ban parties in their homes, Airbnb said. The company added that hosts and guests who break its rules will face steep consequences, including a ban from the community and possible legal action.