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On Thursday, Airbnb announced a new policy that bans parties and events at all of its listings around the world. This isn't the first move made by Airbnb this year in an attempt to help slow down the pandemic. In July, Airbnb began restricting those under the age of 25 from renting homes in order to clamp down on parties.

The new ban is now world wide and caps house occupancy at 16 people. The ban will be in place until further notice according to the company. According to CNet, the move was made to have a simpler policy moving forward and those who break the rules could face legal action.

"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.

The announcement from Airbnb also comes one day after reports that the company is looking to be taken public with an IPO later this year.

 

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