Airbnb officially bans parties

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 17:  (L-R) Airbnb Founders CTO Nathan Blecharczyk, Chief Product Officer Joe Gebbia and CEO Brian Chesky speak onstage during the

Airbnb has made its temporary ban on parties and events permanent after the company introduced the policy in 2020.

The home-rental company found that its temporary ban had been effective and had an overall positive effect.

In the past, Airbnb allowed hosts to use their personal judgement about authorising parties to ensure the homes and the neighbourhoods were kept safe.

After the pandemic hit and hospitality venues closed, Airbnb saw a rise in the use of home rentals advertised on the site to hold parties.

But the company banned all parties and events “until further notice” in August 2020 due to the risk to public health.

Airbnb has felt the temporary ban has worked and this led to the decision to codify the ban.

“We believe there is a direct correlation between our implementation of the policy in August 2020 and a 44 per cent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports,” Airbnb wrote in a company statement.

“The ban has been well received by our Host community and we’ve received positive feedback from community leaders and elected officials.

“As we build on this momentum, we believe the time is right to codify this policy.”

Airbnb country manager for Australia and New Zealand Susan Wheeldon said neighbourhoods and communities were just as important as the hosts and guests who use the service.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of our Hosts share their homes responsibly, just as the overwhelming majority of guests are responsible and treat their Airbnb listings and neighbourhoods as if they were their own,” she said.

“The ban has been well received by our Host community and we’ve received positive feedback from the community and government. As we build on this momentum, we believe the time is right to codify this policy.”

Airbnb’s policy will continue to include consequences for guests who violate the rules, including suspension and full removals of accounts.

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