Airbnb Bans 'Open Invite Parties' In Wake Of Orinda Halloween Mass Shooting
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF/AP) -- In the wake of an Orinda mass shooting on Halloween night that left five victims dead, San Francisco-based Airbnb announced Thursday it was issuing a nationwide ban on rental use for "open invite" parties.
The ban covers parties in short-term rental homes, apartments and condos open to anyone and advertised on social media but exempts boutique hotels and professional event venues from the new rule.
"This policy does not impact parties that are authorized by hosts and convened respectfully by guests," the company said in a news release. "Instead, our goal with this new policy is to address the small number of guests who act irresponsibly and those rare hosts whose homes become persistent neighborhood nuisances."
Airbnb says it's in the process of identifying listings globally that may be violating the party house ban, including accommodations in Los Angeles, Miami Beach, London and Montreal. The company says it's asking hosts to update their listings to comply with the ''open invite" ban.
Airbnb is also issuing new guest behavior rules. In early 2020, guests will get a warning for one instance of excessive noise, unauthorized guests, unauthorized parking, unauthorized smoking or excessive messiness reported by a host or a neighbor. Further violations will result in account suspension or removal.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced last month that changes would be coming after five people were killed at a Halloween party shooting in Orinda.
The company is under pressure to gain the trust of travelers, neighbors and lawmakers as it prepares for its planned initial public offering next year.
Airbnb also said Thursday it's establishing a dedicated hotline for mayors and city officials who have questions about its policies.
