New Year’s Eve parties ruled out by Airbnb in bid to deter Covid-spreading gatherings
Short-stay rental giant Airbnb has toughened its booking rules ahead of New Year’s Eve in a bid to crack down on people throwing parties in defiance of coronavirus restrictions, as well as to try to limit the spread of Covid-19.
From Thursday, Airbnb users lacking positive reviews will be barred from booking one-night stays in entire-home listings on December 31 in Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, Spain, the UK and US.
Customers will also need to tick a box when booking to specifically promise that they will not throw a NYE bash, the San Francisco-based firm said in a statement on Thursday.
The company added that it would honor already booked one-night reservations, as previous data shows that those looking to throw parties at Airbnb properties are more likely to book in December.
Airbnb’s rules were updated in August to include a worldwide ban on parties and gatherings of 16 or more people due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with those who flout the guidelines potentially liable for legal action.
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It took similar action for Halloween this year, banning all one-night reservations in entire-home listings in the US and Canada in a bid to stamp out parties. The company said the move went “successfully.”
As part of the NYE measures, Airbnb will also prevent guests who don’t have a history of positive reviews booking close to their own homes.
The company said it would also be operating a “virtual command center” on NYE, with “trained safety agents” on call throughout the night, should any “issues” arise.
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