#Airbnb bans parties amid COVID-19, caps guests at 16

Short-term home rental company Airbnb on Thursday announced a global party ban at its listings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gatherings at Airbnb rentals will also be capped at 16 as part of a new policy to promote a safer environment, the company said.

“This party ban applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice,” Airbnb said in a statement.

The company noted that a majority of its existing worldwide rentals — 73 percent — already prohibit parties with their own rules.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb had already issued a new policy requiring users to adhere to social-distancing mandates set by local governments.

But, the company said, with the reversal of restrictions in some jurisdictions as virus cases go down, came the return of in-house revelers.

“Some have chosen to take bar and club behavior to homes, sometimes rented through our platform,” the company said.

“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 they would take action against guests who violate the party ban.