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More than four months after the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Airbnb is banning house parties and limiting guest numbers in order to prevent the virus spreading.
The company said that residences, with a few exceptions, will have to limit the number of occupants to 16 people, and follows criticism of the company from the UK's Bed and Breakfast association.
Airbnb added it would take legal action against guests and hosts if they were found to be breaking the rules.
Image:The company threatened to take legal action against rule breakers
"While B&Bs and guest houses have been closed since 23 March, it seems these giant platforms have allowed bookings to be made and enabled the so-called 'lockdown parties', which have put guests, hosts, neighbours and communities at risk," said association chairman, David Weston.
"It is about time these global platforms took some responsibility for the safety of their guests, their accommodation and showed some respect for local communities."
In its statement Airbnb described "instituting a global ban on parties and events" as being "in the best interest of public health".
It added that while 73% of its listings already banned parties, some hosts allowed small celebratory gatherings for baby showers or birthdays.
However the company said some guests were taking "bar and club behaviour" to residences they were renting through the platform.
"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," it added.
The company also recently announced it would begin testing a ban in the UK on under-25s who had fewer than three positive ratings from renting homes, which had already been trialled in the US and Canada.
Last November, the company said it was banning "party houses" after
five people were killed
at a Halloween party in San Francisco.
