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Airbnb to clamp down on UK bookings for under-25s

The restrictions follow similar measures introduced in the US and Canada.
The restrictions follow similar measures introduced in the US and Canada. Photo: Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Airbnb has announced it will trial to restrict the ability of people under the age of 25 in the UK, France and Spain from renting entire properties, in an attempt to crack down on illegal parties.

The platform’s move aims to ensure safety by clamping down on prohibited parties, rowdy and antisocial behaviour to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The trial scheme will stop guests under the age of 25 with fewer than three positive reviews from booking entire homes near their place of residence.

The restrictions, follow similar pilots introduced in June in the United States and Canada, which Airbnb said had reduced the number of unauthorised parties.

READ MORE: From travel to eating out: The social impacts of coronavirus on Britain

Last year, the company banned unauthorised parties at its listings after neighbours in some communities complained about the noise and behaviour of guests — and with COVID-19 there has been greater concern about events where social distancing rules are flouted.

Since the start of lockdown in March several illegal parties were staged through the online rental service, the company has also struggled with bookings like others in the hospitality, travel and leisure industries due to lockdown measures.

Airbnb’s director of public policy, Patrick Robinson, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the summer safely and while the overwhelming majority of guests on our platform are responsible neighbours, we are absolutely determined to obstruct and weed out anyone intent on causing antisocial behaviour.”

“We want to do everything we can to be good partners to the communities where hosts live and we hope that our new restriction will make it abundantly clear that there is no home for any unauthorised parties on Airbnb,” Robinson added.

Previously, Airbnb was pressured to limit antisocial behaviour after a string of incidents in the US and Canada, saw house parties descend into violence.

The trial measure still allows under-25s to book private rooms and hotel rooms through the platform, while younger guests with at least three positive ratings and no negative reviews can still book entire homes.